Senator Natasha arrives constituency on helicopter to a tumultuous welcome
By Emma Ogbuehi
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has defied a state-imposed ban on rallies and movement restrictions to make a dramatic entry into her hometown in Kogi Central, arriving at the venue in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State by helicopter.
In what has now become a futile attempt to dissuade her from coming home, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Amoka Eneji, on Tuesday, declared an emergency curfew in the area.
In a statement he personally signed, Eneji stated that the curfew was aimed at maintaining peace and order following the ban on all political rallies and unregulated public gatherings in the LGA.
“The Okehi LGA Executive Chairman, Hon. Amoka Eneji Monday, has declared a curfew across Okehi Local Government Area. This decision is aimed at maintaining peace and order, following a ban on all political rallies and unregulated public gatherings within the LGA.”
According to the statement, the curfew takes immediate effect and restricts movement and gatherings in certain areas.
“Anyone found gathering or walking around restricted areas without permission from the relevant authorities will be arrested and charged to court. This is in line with the directive of the state government and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police.”
TheNiche had earlier reported that a large crowd of supporters had gathered in anticipation of her arrival, holding placards and chanting slogans in solidarity with the senator.
The senator had on Tuesday morning warned that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello should be held responsible if any violence disrupts the Sallah celebrations.
“My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our PEACEFUL Sallah celebrations today. However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Ododo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible,” she wrote on her verified Facebook page.
Despite calls from the police to cancel the rally, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained firm in her decision to meet with her constituents. She dismissed rumours of a canceled trip and urged her supporters to disregard misinformation.
The senator, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate for allegedly violating legislative rules. Additionally, she faces a potential recall, allegedly backed by figures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.
