By our reporter
In an apparent show of defiance, Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan literally challenged the State and Local Government Area (LGA) authorities today, Tuesday, April 1, when she set foot on her native Okehi to the embrace of a mammoth crowd of supporters.
In a celebratory, carnival atmosphere, they literally shook off both the curfew imposed on the area and the ban on rallies, slammed by the LGA and Governor Usman Ododo-led State governments, respectively, as well as the police, to receive Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan,in a move which clearly highlighted her immense popularity among her constituents and sent a direct message to the authorities.
As early as 8am, crowds from the five LGAs that make up Kogi Central begun to gather in Ihima, Okehi LGA, for her Sallah homecoming.
Smiling all through when she arrived in a white helicopter, the Senator addressed the gathering, saying: “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.”
She added: “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’.
“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.”
Her speech was intermittently punctuated by rapturous roars and applause from the crowd.
Amid the sexual harassment controversy involving her and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and her subsequent six-month suspension from the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that nobody can stop her from coming home.
Recall that ahead of her homecoming, the state government had banned rallies and public gatherings across the state, citing security issues.
Apparently taking a cue, the State Police Command issued security alerts demanding that the Senator suspend the planned rally.
In a triple action bid to halt her, Chairman of Okehi LG, Mr Amoka Monday, slammed a curfew on the area.
However, these did not stop Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan nor her huge number of supporters from turning up.
The Senator is presently caught in the midst of a process to recall her from the Senate –a process described by her camp as being sponsored by powerful persons who are uncomfortable with her guts and popularity.
