By Deborah Nnamdi
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.
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, in a post on her verified Facebook page 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.
Despite calls from the police to cancel the rally, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained firm in her decision to meet with her constituents. She dismissed rumors 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 has been at the center of several controversies, including a recent accusation against Akpabio of sexual harassment.
