Despite Intimidations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Receives Rousing Reception By Her Constituents.
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan received a rousing welcome today from her constituents despite a imposition of ban by the state government on public gatherings and curfew by the LG Chairman.
The senator, who has been at the centre of political controversy in recent months, was seen celebrating with her supporters in a defiant show of strength.
The rousing reception, which took place on Tuesday in defiance of state authorities and the Nigerian police, highlighted the deep-rooted support the senator enjoys in her district.
In a video obtained by Trustbase News, thousands of her supporters and well-wishers gathered in an electrifying atmosphere as the senator danced to local music.
Holding a Nigerian flag aloft, she expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The celebratory scene was a striking contrast to the political turmoil that had surrounded her in recent months.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has faced mounting controversy.
Last month, she was suspended from the Senate for six months over alleged breaches of legislative rules.
Meanwhile, there are ongoing efforts to recall her from the Red Chamber, further intensifying the political drama surrounding her tenure.
The lawmaker, however, insists that her political persecution is linked to her recent sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She maintains that powerful interests are using legislative measures to silence her.
Her public reception, despite government restrictions, signals continued grassroots backing.
As tensions rise over her political fate, this defiant show of support could complicate any moves to remove her from office.
It was also reported that the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Monday, had imposed an indefinite curfew across the council area, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.
The decision comes in the wake of heightened political activities, particularly in response to the planned homecoming of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement he personally issued, the council Chairman said that the curfew aligned with the directives of the Kogi State government and the Commissioner of Police.
Monday stated that the curfew was a measure aimed to curb what he described as unauthorised political rallies and unregulated public gatherings that could potentially threaten peace and stability in the region.
“The curfew, which takes immediate effect, restricts movement and public gatherings in designated areas.
“Anyone found loitering or assembling in restricted zones without prior clearance from the relevant authorities will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement read.
The chairman reiterated that the security and stability of residents remained a top priority for his administration.
He warned that any actions capable of inciting unrest or disrupting public peace would not be tolerated.
“The safety of our people is paramount. We will not allow any situation that could jeopardise the peace and stability of our communities,” Monday warned.
The curfew followed rising political tensions in Kogi State, particularly surrounding Senator Natasha, who has been one of the key opposition figures in the state.
Apart from her ongoing sexual harassment allegations crisis with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Natasha has been an outspoken critic of the state government, advocating for electoral transparency and economic development in the region.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has often clashed with the state government and ruling party officials over governance issues.
Her scheduled visit to her home district in Okene has sparked concerns among local authorities, who fear potential clashes between political supporters and opponents.
The imposition of the curfew and the ban on rallies are seen by some analysts as a preemptive move to suppress opposition activities ahead of the next election cycle.
As earlier reported, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, banned the planned homecoming rally for Senator Natasha.
Though the decision has sparked outrage among her supporters, who view the move as politically motivated, the Command, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, justified the ban, stating that intelligence reports had uncovered plans by hoodlums to hijack the event and cause unrest.
The police further emphasised that they would not allow any activities that could disrupt the prevailing peace in the state.
The Kogi State Government has also defended the decision, arguing that it is a necessary step to maintain peace and prevent misinformation.
Meanwhile, residents have expressed mixed reactions to the curfew.
