Embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has made a bold return to her constituency in Kogi Central, arriving by helicopter in the Okehi Local Government Area despite a state-imposed ban on rallies and restrictions on public gatherings.
The dramatic entrance stirred excitement among her supporters, who had gathered in large numbers to welcome her.
The arrival, however, comes in defiance of a recently imposed curfew in the area.
Hon. Amoka Eneji, the Chairman of Okehi LGA, declared the emergency curfew earlier in the day, citing concerns over maintaining peace and order in light of the ban on political rallies and unregulated gatherings.
In his statement, Eneji emphasized that the curfew would restrict movement and gatherings within the LGA, warning that anyone found violating these restrictions would face legal consequences.
“Anyone found gathering or walking around restricted areas without permission from the relevant authorities will be arrested and charged to court. This is in line with the directive of the state government and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police,” the statement read in part.
Despite the restrictions, a large crowd had already gathered to show their support for Akpoti-Uduaghan, with placards and chants in solidarity.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday morning, the senator warned that if violence marred the Sallah celebrations in her constituency, the responsibility should fall on Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Governor Yahaya Bello.
“My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our PEACEFUL Sallah celebrations today. However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Ododo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible,” she wrote.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been outspoken in her criticism of the current administration.
Despite calls from the police to cancel the rally, she remained resolute, urging her supporters to disregard rumors that her trip had been canceled.
The senator is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate for alleged violations of legislative rules.
She also faces a potential recall, which some claim is backed by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan has publicly accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.
