Eric Patrick
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan received a warm welcome on Tuesday as she returned to her Ihima community of Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State, where her supporters gathered to celebrate her arrival.
Despite the state government-imposed ban on rallies and public gatherings, thousands of her supporters from the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District came together to cheer for their beleaguered lawmaker.
In a video from the gathering that has gone viral on social media, Natasha said that she is not afraid of anybody, adding that nobody can stop her.
The video also captured Natasha’s arrival, who made her entrance in a white helicopter, as her supporters cheered and applauded.
Natasha said, “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 political season, this is not campaign time,” the lawmaker told her supporters and constituents.
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“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.
“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.”