‘Suspended’ Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Tuesday defied the police and a state government ban on rally, which was targeted at her, when she went ahead with her “home-coming rally at Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.
“I am an Ebira girl. This is my land. I am the daughter of the late Dr. Jimoh Akpoti. I am not a bastard, and I am not afraid of anybody,” she declared to cheering supporters.
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies, 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 embattled lawmaker said.
“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 state and local governments, working at the behest of former governor Yahaya Bello, had attempted through bans to stop the rally, amid a suspicious move to recall her from the senate, triggered by those she calls enemies of the people.
Mr. Bello is a bitter rival of the senator.
The Kogi State Government had on Monday, citing potential threats to public peace, banned public rallies and gatherings. While Okehi LGA Chairman, Hon. Amoka Eneji, declared a curfew across the council area all in an attempt to prevent Natasha’s homecoming event.
While all roads were blocked by security operatives, Senator Natasha arrived the venue of the rally in grand style with a helicopter. And the crowd went frenzy.
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