Natasha Defies Ododo, Police, Arrives Kogi, Holds Massive Sallah Rally, Says I’m Not A Bastard
Olufemi Orunsola
Embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has landed in her constituency amid pump and pageantry despite moves by the state government and the Nigeria Police to stop the homecoming.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the female politician, who has been making the headlines following her six-month suspension from the senate and the sexual harassment allegations she levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, defied all the threats and stormed Kogi on Tuesday afternoon into a rousing welcome by her supporters and constituents. She arrived in a chartered helicopter.
In a short video now viral sighted by OTN News, Natasha was seen addressing her teeming crowd of supporters, saying, "obody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody."
OTN News recalls that the Kogi State Police Command had issued security alerts urging the suspended lawmaker to shelve the planned rally.
Similarly, the chairman of Okehi LGA of Kogi state, Amoka Monday had also imposed a curfew across the council area over alleged security concerns.
OTN News further recalls that a statement personally signed by Monday, said the curfew was necessary to uphold peace and order following directives by the of the Kogi state government and police.
The LG chair said anyone loitering or gathering in restricted areas without authorisation from relevant authorities will face arrest and prosecution.
The curfew, which takes immediate effect, restricts movement and gatherings in designated areas,” the statement reads, adding that "Anyone found loitering or assembling in restricted zones without clearance from the relevant authorities will be arrested and prosecuted.
It emphasized that “This is in line with the directive of the state government and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police.
Earlier in the week, the Kogi state government announced a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing “credible security reports”.
However, the media office of Akpoti-Uduaghan said her planned visit to Kogi central for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations will proceed as scheduled.
The senator’s team also assured residents that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and joyous event.
Senator Natasha's rally held despite the fact that, in the early hours of Tuesday, the Kogi police command ordered her to cancel her planned Eid-el-Fitr celebration rally, citing intelligence reports of a security threat.
As at the time of filing this report, there are no indications that the rally by the embattled Senator experienced any hitches
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