Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made a dramatic entrance in a white helicopter, sparking cheers from her supporters in Ihima, Okehi LGA, Kogi State, despite a government ban on rallies and processions.
The embattled PDP lawmaker was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters from Kogi Central’s five local government areas, who gathered early to celebrate her homecoming.
Addressing the crowd, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the government’s restrictions, insisting that she was merely celebrating Sallah with her constituents. “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 allowed,” she said. “I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that her gathering was not a rally, but rather a celebration of the festive time with her people. “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,” she added. “I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
The senator’s homecoming followed a curfew imposed by the Okehi LGA chairman and warnings from the police. Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello of being behind any security threats. She has been suspended by the Senate amid a sexual harassment controversy involving Akpabio and is facing a recall process.
