Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), on Tuesday, received a rousing welcome from her supporters in Kogi State despite a government ban on rallies and processions.
She also defended her trip to her hometown in defiance of the ban by the state government, saying that she did not break any law in coming home to celebrate Sallah with her constituents.
This is just as Kogi State Government has accused Natasha of breaching public breach, inciting violence and urged security agencies to take necessary action against her.
Citing security threat, the state government had banned convoys, public gatherings and rallies while the Kogi Police Command also banned rallies and demanded strict compliance from all stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Mr Miller Dantawaye, also explained that the ban was sequel to intelligence report on security threats in Kogi and subsequent ban on all forms of rallies and processions by the state government
But Natasha’s supporters from Kogi Central’s five local government areas had gathered on Tuesday morning in Ihima, Okehi LGA to welcome her to the Senatorial District.
Amid music and celebration, she arrived dramatically in a white helicopter and created an excitement from her supporters who surged forward to show solidarity with the embattled senator.
Addressing her supporters who had been there since morning, Natasha said she had a right to be with her people and celebrate Sallah with them.
She also commended her husband whom she described as God-sent, saying he had been a pillar in the moment of her travail.
She said, “In everything we do, we put God first and we communicate our needs to God through prayers but we also have human beings, people who God uses, my husband is one of such. If not because of the resources, his words of encouragement, every day, he keeps telling me, ‘Believe in yourself’; ‘Stand strong’; It is well. Like I said, I am just a simple Ihima girl; poor Ebira girl; I grew up here. Where would I have got the resources to hire helicopter to bring me here if not because of his support?”
“Yesterday, when 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.
“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.
But her homecoming has led to imposition of a curfew by the Okehi LGA chairman and warnings from the police.
Natasha had earlier accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello of alleged plans to eliminate her.
Kogi accuses Natasha of inciting violence
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has condemned the allegations made by Natasha, describing them as “reckless, malicious, and utterly false.”
The government also called on security agencies to monitor what it called Natasha’s “reckless utterances and inflammatory actions,” insisting that she should be held accountable for any attempts to incite violence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the state government dismissed Natasha’s claims that Governor Ahmed Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, should be held responsible if anything happens to her.
Fanwo also described her allegations as “another desperate and calculated attempt by an incurable liar and serial manipulator to mislead the public, incite unrest, and present herself as a victim.”
According to the commissioner, Natasha’s actions violated the state government’s ban on political gatherings, which was imposed to maintain law and order.
He further accused Natasha of attempting to use her visit to “stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central Senatorial District.”
The statement reads in part, “We will not allow any part of the state to go up in flames nor permit the killing of innocent souls by the actions of the suspended Senator.
Fanwo also claimed that despite deleting her post accusing the government of endangering her life, screenshots had been taken before its removal. He maintained that security reports had earlier indicated plans by “certain elements” to cause unrest in Kogi Central.
“Let it be categorically stated that Governor Ododo 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,” he stated.
The commissioner accused the senator of a “pattern of lawlessness” and using deceit to gain public sympathy. He maintained that her alleged defiance of security directives had made her a “security threat” in the state.
“The people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large should see through her deceptive ploys and reject her attempt to manipulate public perception with outright lies. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not a victim; she is an instigator of disorder who thrives on spreading falsehoods to gain public sympathy,” he said.
Fanwo said that the Kogi State Government would not be “blackmailed or intimidated” and warned that the senator would be held responsible if her actions led to any violence.
“Let it be clear that the security of every citizen in Kogi State, including that of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, remains a priority. However, the government will not tolerate anyone deliberately provoking crises and then crying wolf when confronted with the consequences of his or her actions,” he said.
He called on security agencies to monitor Natasha’s “reckless utterances and inflammatory actions,” saying that she should be held accountable for any attempts to incite violence.
Natasha was recently suspended for six months by the Senate, following the alleged sexual harassment she leveled against Akpabio. She later filed legal action against the Senate President while a recall process against her is also underway.
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