Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi State defied a government ban on rallies and processions to receive a warm welcome from her supporters on Tuesday in Kogi Central. Despite restrictions prohibiting large gatherings, hundreds of supporters from the region’s five local government areas gathered early in Ihima, Okehi LGA, to celebrate the senator’s homecoming.
Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived in a dramatic fashion, descending from a white helicopter, which triggered loud cheers and excitement among her supporters. Amid the celebrations, the embattled lawmaker took the opportunity to address the crowd, dismissing the government’s restrictions on rallies and gatherings.
“I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time,” she told her supporters, emphasizing that the event was merely a festive gathering for the Sallah celebrations.
“I am 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,” she continued, asserting that she was breaking no laws by joining her constituents in celebration.
The senator, who has been embroiled in controversy following her suspension from the Senate amid a sexual harassment case involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio, remains adamant that her actions are politically motivated. She accused Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello of orchestrating security threats against her.
In the face of a curfew imposed by the Okehi LGA chairman and warnings from local police, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming was a show of defiance against what she perceives as political persecution.
Her arrival sparked discussions on the right to free assembly, with the senator insisting that Nigerians must continue to have the freedom to express themselves, even in the face of political opposition.
