Defiant Return: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Defies Kogi Government’s Ban, Celebrates With Supporters
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan received a warm welcome from supporters and Ihima community residents in Kogi on Tuesday. This happened despite the state government’s ban on rallies and processions.
By 8 a.m., supporters from five local government areas in Kogi Central flooded Ihima in Okehi LGA to welcome the PDP lawmaker.
Local musicians entertained the crowd as they waited for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s arrival.
She Arrives in Style
The senator soon arrived in a white helicopter, drawing loud cheers from her excited supporters.
“Yesterday, the news said rallies and gatherings were banned. Roads would be blocked, and convoys wouldn’t be allowed into the state,” she said.
“I knew we were the targets, but this isn’t campaign season. It’s not political. I’m just here to celebrate Sallah with my people.”
“This is Nigeria. We have the right to freedom, to gather, and to celebrate,” she told her supporters.
Government Ban and Curfew
Hours before her arrival, the Kogi State Government banned public gatherings, citing security concerns.
Okehi LGA Chairman Amoka Monday imposed a curfew. The police also warned Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel the event.
She remained defiant. “Nobody can stop me from coming home,” she declared.
“I’m an Ebira woman. This is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots. I fear no one.”
Political Battle
Before her visit, she accused Kogi Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and ex-Governor Yahaya Bello of planning to cause unrest at the event.
The senator has been in the spotlight recently. The Senate suspended her weeks ago for breaking its rules.
Her suspension followed a sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio. A recall process is underway, but she calls it a witch hunt.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.
