The Kogi state government has taken a swipe at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over what it alleges is her recent attempt to mislead the public and incite unrest.
The political drama in Kogi State took a new turn on Tuesday following a controversial visit by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to her constituency, despite a state and police ban on rallies and restrictions on public gatherings.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s visit, which came amid rising tensions in the state, prompted fierce reactions from both her political rivals and state authorities after she alleged a plot to assassinate her.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo have criticised the senator, accusing her of disregarding the law and escalating an already fragile political situation.
Despite the state government’s ban on rallies in Kogi Central due to security concerns, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived her Okehi country home to a rousing reception by the large crowd of her supporters.
In recent weeks, Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have been at the centre of a political row that has gripped the country, after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The Kogi-born politician petitioned the Senate alleging sexual harassment by Akpabio, but on March 6, the Ethics Committee struck it out and instead handed her a six-month suspension without pay.
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District had before her arrival on Tuesday urged Nigerians to hold Akpabio, Governor Ododo and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, responsible if she and her supporters were attacked.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who arrived Okehi at 11am aboard a helicopter, in company with her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, was praised by the enthusiastic constituents, in their thousands, who danced to songs in Ebira language.
On an attempt by her constituents to recall her from the Senate, she alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission helped the petitioners perfect their job, adding that those who petitioned her were members of the ruling All Progressives Congress with unidentified names and fictitious addresses that were not traceable.
She charged INEC to explain how in two days 250,000 petitioners signed a recall petition of the most performing Senator, describing the process as a ruse.
On its part, the Kogi State government has now reported the suspended Senator to Security Agencies over her alleged breach of the peace.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
