“We were the targets” – Senator Natasha reveals after arriving Kogi using helicopter (Pictures)
Amidst a strict ban on rallies, convoys and public gatherings, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan landed for her homecoming event with a helicopter and was warmly welcomed by supporters in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Addressing her supporters, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged attempts to obstruct her visit to the state during the Sallah celebrations.
She stated, “Yesterday, we heard reports that rallies and gatherings would not be allowed, roads would be blocked, and convoys entering the state would be restricted. I knew we were the targets.”
The senator explained that her visit was not political but a personal trip to celebrate the festive period with her constituents.
READ ALSO: Senator Natasha insists on Sallah rally amidst Kogi gov’t’s ban, police warnings
“This is not the political season; this is not campaign time. We are not holding a rally. This is simply me, the senator representing Kogi Central, coming home to celebrate this festive period with my people,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted her constitutional rights, insisting she was not in violation of any law.
“There is nothing wrong with that. I am not breaking any law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to freedom, to gather, and to celebrate as we choose.”
It could be recalled that the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Monday, had imposed a curfew across the council area, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.
The decision came 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.
Apart from her ongoing sexual harassment allegations crisis with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been an outspoken critic of the state government, advocating for electoral transparency and economic development in the region.
She has often clashed with the state government and ruling party officials over governance issues.
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