Olusegun Ariyo
Hundreds of Kogi Central constituents took to the streets in support of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing the district, following attempts to initiate a recall process against her.
The protests follow Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following a dispute over seating arrangements with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
She had earlier accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Carrying banners with messages such as ‘Natasha, Pride of Kogi Central’ and ‘We Stand with Natasha’, the demonstrators mocked those supporting her recall, accusing them of accepting ₦10,000 and jollof rice from Akpabio.
On Thursday, a federal high court in Lokoja issued an injunction preventing INEC from acting on recall petitions.
However, the court vacated the order on Friday, reaffirming that constituents have the right to recall any lawmaker.
The protest highlights the growing political tension in Kogi Central, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters rallying against what they see as a politically motivated attempt to remove her from office.
