By Richard Elesho
In complete disregard to the directive of the Kogi State government and advice of the state police command, embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday arrived Okene, her ancestral home, in a helicopter. She was received by her teaming supporters, who had waited patiently for her arrival.
Addressing hundreds of them at her compound in Ihima shortly after her arrival, Natasha said no amount of threats and intimidation would silence her voice in seeking justice.
“Am an Ebira woman, the daughter of Akpoti. They tried to stop me from coming home. We own Ebira together, and no Senate President and his co travelers would stop me from coming home
“Senator Asukwo drove Yahaya Bello to Hilton, and the meeting was in twofold. He told him to commence my recall and that he is going to sponsor it. Of course, money changed hand that night
The second thing he told him is that he should try and kill me. He told him the killing should not be done in Abuja, but it should be done at home here. We didn’t notify the security agents, I called on media houses, and I want them to publish the news ahead of time that this is the nature of the meeting
The Senator lamented how INEC helped the petitioners to perfect their petition and described the petitioners as APC members, with unidentified names, beginning with Kogi Central Political Frontiers with a fictitious address.
Natasha called on the world, Nigerians and INEC, to explain how in two days, 250,000 petitioners could sign to recall her, who has been described as the most performing Senator.
“We saw what happened. They came around and deceived our people that they had empowerment for them with their PVC. They took advantage of our women illiteracy. They took advantage of poverty. I know they will not succeed by the grace of God. The recall will not be successful.”
While pointing out that she is amongst people who are trying as difficult as it is to strengthen some of the nation’s institutions, she urged Nigerian to join her as she will not fold her arms
”I trust the people of Central will do what is right. Speak out against the oppression and intimidation that has held us back for too long”
The Senator expressed appreciation to the people for the rousing reception, noting that it has emboldened her in her struggle for justice.
“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,” the PDP senator said.
“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,” the lawmaker told her supporters and constituents.
“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.”
The News reports that words went out in the morning that the Okehi Local Government Chairman, Monday Amoka, had declared a curfew to curtail movements in the area. The Kogi State Police Command in a statement had also advised against the Sallah visit.
