Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to her hometown of Ihima on Tuesday afternoon, despite a government-imposed ban on public gatherings and a curfew set by local authorities.
Arriving by helicopter around 1:00 pm, she was greeted by a massive crowd of supporters who had gathered as early as 7:00 am to welcome her.
“Nothing Can Stop Me From Coming Home” – Natasha Declares
Addressing the cheering supporters at her private residence, she declared:
“Nobody 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.”
Government’s Ban on Gatherings & Her Suspension from Senate
The Kogi State Government recently banned rallies and public gatherings across the state, citing security threats from alleged planned infiltrations by troublemakers.
Senator Natasha has been at the center of controversy, following her suspension from the Senate over alleged misconduct and her sexual harassment accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ongoing Recall Effort Against Natasha
On March 26, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notified her of a recall petition initiated by members of her constituency.
It was reported that 250,000 voters—over half of the district’s registered voters—signed the petition, signaling a major political battle ahead for the embattled senator.