INEC receives petition for Senator Natasha’s recall from Nigerian Senate
….Natasha denies apology report
….insists on sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has formally received a petition from constituents of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling for the commencement of her recall process.
The Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, received the petition which was submitted at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Natasha, who represents Kogi central in the Senate, is currently on suspension for allegedly flouting the Senate rules.
According to the petitioners, over 250,000 constituents’ signed the petition, out of about 480,000 registered voters in the senatorial district.
The petition is titled _Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’.
The petition reads: “We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.
“In particular, this petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.
“This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour that has not only embarrassed the people of Kogi Central but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions.
“By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we hereby demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant.”
Meanwhile, Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted on sexual harassment allegation against Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.
She said pressure is being mounted on her from various quarters to tender an apology but said she will never succumb as she looks forward to expose and prove her claims.
In a statement she personally made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday, she reiterated her readiness to pursue justice and ensure the same for her constituents.
She said: “I Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stand firm in my resolve to never apologise for speaking my truth. The desperation to silence me is palpable, but I will not be intimidated.
“The games being played in full view of the Nigerian people will be exposed, and the corrupt individuals who have hijacked our institutions will be held accountable.
“As a senator, I have a duty to represent my constituents and uphold the principles of justice and transparency. My allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were not made lightly, and I will continue to seek justice and accountability, no matter the cost.”
She pointed out that the six-month suspension slammed at hers was meant to cow and silence her, saying she was more emboldened and would continue to defend the rights of Nigerian women.
She urged Nigerians to disregard reports of her apology, describing it as fake.
