Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has declared that she is “not a bastard” and “not afraid of anyone.”
She said this while addressing a massive crowd of supporters
during her homecoming event in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi
State on Tuesday afternoon, April 1.
Her return came amid heightened political tension, as the
Kogi State Government and Police Command had earlier imposed a ban on public
gatherings, citing security concerns. The chairman of Okehi LGA, Hon. Amoka
Eneji, also imposed a curfew on the LGA in a bid to halt Natasha’s planned
homecoming and Sallah celebration with her constituents.
However, in defiance of all the directives, Natasha arrived
at her Ihima country home aboard a chopper around 1:00pm on Tuesday, where an
enthusiastic crowd of supporters had gathered at her private residence as early
as 7:00am awaiting her arrival.
Addressing her supporters, Natasha began by expressing her
joy at being back in her hometown.
“I need you
all to pay attention to what I am going to say. It is good to be home,” she
said.
Switching between Ebira and English languages, she declared
“I am
glad I came home. And nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I am an
Ebira person. Dr. Akpoti is my father. I know my home. I am not a bastard,” she
stated emphatically amidst cheers from her followers.
Reiterating her stance, she continued.
“I am an
Ebira girl. This is my land. I am the daughter of the late Dr. Jimoh Akpoti. I
am not a bastard, and I am not afraid of anybody.”
Natasha’s visit came amid a ban on public gatherings imposed
by the Kogi State Government on Monday, citing potential threats to public
peace. In a move to enforce the ban, Okehi LGA Chairman, Hon. Amoka Eneji,
declared a curfew across the council area in an attempt to prevent Natasha’s
homecoming event.
Despite the restrictions apparently to stop her planned
homecoming Sallah party, Natasha’s supporters defied the curfew, turning out in
large numbers to welcome her back.
“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.
I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not a 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.”' she said
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