The suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, arrived in Ihima, her hometown in Okehi local government area of Kogi State, on Tuesday to a heroic welcome despite efforts by the state government to stop her.
The lawmaker, joined by her husband, Chief Emma Uduaghan, and some PDP leaders received a rousing welcome from supporters in Kogi State after landing in a helicopter.
Recall that the Kogi State Government had placed a ban on rallies and processions as part of efforts to stop Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from holding any rally in the state.
Supporters from Kogi Central’s five local government areas gathered early in Ihima, Okehi LGA, to welcome the embattled PDP lawmaker.
Amid music and celebration, she arrived dramatically in a white helicopter, sparking cheers.
Addressing the crowd, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the government’s restrictions, insisting she was merely celebrating Sallah with her constituents.
Akpoti-Uduaghan 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.”
She added, “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 homecoming followed a curfew imposed by the Okehi LGA chairman and warnings from the police.
She had earlier accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello of being behind any security threats.
The senator, recently suspended by the Senate amid a sexual harassment controversy involving Akpabio, insists she is facing political persecution.
