Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defied a government-imposed ban on rallies and public gatherings on Tuesday as she received a grand homecoming in Kogi Central, where a jubilant crowd of supporters welcomed her arrival in a helicopter.
The Kogi State Government had earlier prohibited all forms of public gatherings, citing security concerns. The Okehi Local Government Chairman, Amoka Monday, further reinforced this restriction by imposing a curfew. The police also warned the senator to cancel the event.
However, undeterred by the government’s directives, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker proceeded with the event, addressing her supporters in the Ihima community of Okehi LGA.
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be permitted. I knew that we were the targets,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told the cheering crowd.
“But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time. 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.”
Despite the state’s warning, thousands of her supporters from the five local government areas of Kogi Central gathered as early as 8 a.m., entertained by local musicians ahead of her arrival.
The senator, who was recently suspended by the Senate over alleged rule violations, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of orchestrating a campaign against her. She maintains that the political actions against her, including a recall process, are politically motivated.
