Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, received a rousing welcome in Ihima, Adavi LGA despite a ban on public gatherings imposed by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo.
On Monday, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, reiterated the government’s directive, stating that the planned homecoming rally violated the ban on political gatherings. He urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel the Sallah rally in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
While the roads were blocked with heavily armed police officers and military personnels alongside members of civil defence corps, the Senator flew into her Ihima countryhome, in Adavi local government area of the State in an helicopter, leaving many surprised.
In her address to her supporters, the senator said: “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 bästard, and I’m not afraid of anybody”
However, on Tuesday, April 1, the senator arrived in a chopper to the cheers of enthusiastic supporters holding placards in solidarity with the suspended lawmaker. Messages on the placards read: “You are a worthy daughter of Ebiraland” and “The people of Adavi are solidly behind you.”
The overwhelming show of support comes amid escalating political tension in Kogi State, as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s loyalists continue to rally around her despite the official restrictions.
In response to her action, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described Natasha as being manipulative.
The statement referenced an early morning social media post by Senator Natasha warning that if anything happened during the event, the trio of Governor Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and the Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible.
The government said hers was “yet another desperate and calculated attempt by an incurable liar and serial manipulator to mislead the public, incite unrest, and present herself as a victim after deliberately violating the ban on political gatherings imposed by the State Government to maintain law and order.
“Her statement exposed her plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
“We will not allow any part of the state to go up in flames nor permit killing of innocent souls by the actions of the suspended Senator.”
The government added that “Ododo absolutely has no interest in the political theatrics of the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her baseless allegations are nothing but a feeble attempt to stir unnecessary controversy and cover up her blatant disregard for the law. She has once again proven that she has no respect for rules and the laws.”
It noted “suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has consistently demonstrated a pattern of lawlessness, using lies and deceit as her tools of political engagement.
“The recent disturbances in Kogi State, orchestrated by her defiance of the state’s security directives, have further confirmed her status as a security threat to the people of the State.”
