Senator Natasha Holds Homecoming Rally Despite Ban
…says Nobody can stop her from coming home
..accuses INEC of bias in her recall
Despite the ban on political rallies and restrictions on convoys, a massive crowd of supporters thronged Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday to welcome home Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a dramatic turn of events, the senator arrived by helicopter, stunning the waiting crowd, who had gathered in front of her country home in Ihima since morning.
The supporters, carrying placards and chanting in solidarity, defied police warnings and a curfew imposed by the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Monday, ahead of her homecoming.
The ban on public gatherings by the Kogi State Government on Monday had heightened tensions, with security forces citing concerns about potential disturbances. However, the senator remained defiant, asserting that she had every right to visit her hometown.
Earlier, Akpoti-Uduaghan had issued a strong warning via social media, stating that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello should be held responsible if any violence erupted during her Sallah celebrations.
“Nobody Can Stop Me From Coming Home”
Addressing the cheering crowd in her native Egbira language, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to her people and dismissed attempts to intimidate her.
“This is my home, this is my town. Nobody can stop me from coming home. I am the daughter of the late Dr. Abdul Akpoti.”
The dramatic homecoming further underscores the ongoing political tensions in Kogi State, as Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to assert her presence despite opposition from state authorities.
As early as 8 am, her supporters from the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District that Akpoti-Uduaghan represents flooded the Ihima community of Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) to welcome the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.
Several local musicians took turns entertaining the people who attended the celebration while they awaited the arrival of the female lawmaker.
Kogi is in North-Central, Nigeria.
‘I am Breaking No Law’
It did not, however, take long before the embattled senator arrived at the place in a white helicopter, eliciting applause from her teeming, jubilant supporters.
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be allowed. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time,” the lawmaker told her supporters and constituents.
“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
Curfew, Rally Ban
Her return comes hours after the Kogi State Government banned public gatherings and processions, citing security threats.
This was followed by the imposition of a curfew in the area by the Okehi Local Government Area chairman, Amoka Monday, and a warning from the police for her to cancel the event.
Despite the warnings, the lawmaker told the crowd of supporters that no one can stop her from coming home.
“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” the PDP senator said.
Before the homecoming, the lawmaker alleged that any security breach at the ceremony should be blamed on Kogi Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and ex-Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Kogi Central senator has made headlines in recent months and was some weeks suspended by the Senate for breaking its rules.
Her suspension came amid a sexual harassment allegation against Senate Akpabio. A process for her recall is also ongoing. But the embattled lawmaker claimed that her travails are a result of a witch hunt.
Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias in her recall from
“What I see INEC doing is aiding and guiding petitioners on how to perfect their illicit acts,” she said while addressing the jubilant crowd
“The first time the petition was submitted, they didn’t have address and phone numbers, so INEC went out to guide them on how to submit information that will perfect their petition.
“And what did they do? The petitioners, who were from the other party, the APC, submitted a letterhead. What was the name of it? Kogi Central Political Frontier. And the address there was number 4, Oboroke.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the address does not exist, adding that she ran a check on the status of registration of Kogi Central Political Frontier, the association which sponsored her recall.
“And the CAC report came negative, that the association is not registered,” she added.
“So, I’m still waiting and wondering why INEC has not yet made a statement to that effect or sent people down to Oboroke here, which is just five minutes away, to ascertain whether that address is real.
“Or have we stooped to the point whereby fictitious, non-existing associations and individuals can call for the recall of a senator? Are we in a kangaroo country? We should not allow that.
“I don’t know whether the process will be stalled, but we are in courts as well. Also, I don’t know when they will come down here to verify.
“But I will say this, if the time ever comes for the verification of the 250,000 people that signed for my recall, I trust that you will do right.”
