Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was met with a massive and jubilant crowd of supporters as she returned to her constituency, defying a government-imposed ban on public gatherings.
The senator, who has been at the center of intense political controversy, danced and waved the Nigerian flag amid chants of solidarity from her people, sending a strong message of resilience and defiance against perceived political oppression.
The rousing reception, which took place on Tuesday despite restrictions imposed by the Kogi State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, showcased the deep grassroots support the senator enjoys in her district.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, hundreds of supporters gathered in an electrifying atmosphere as Senator Natasha celebrated with them. She expressed her gratitude to the people and reaffirmed her commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, despite the political turbulence surrounding her.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced growing opposition from political forces in Kogi State and at the national level. Just last month, she was suspended from the Senate for six months over alleged breaches of legislative rules.
Additionally, there have been ongoing efforts to recall her from the Red Chamber, further intensifying the political storm surrounding her tenure.
The lawmaker has repeatedly insisted that the political attacks against her are linked to her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She maintains that powerful forces are orchestrating her suspension and recall attempts as a means of silencing her outspoken stance on governance, electoral transparency, and economic development.
Despite government restrictions, her public reception on Tuesday sent a clear message that she remains a formidable political figure.
Many analysts believe that this overwhelming show of support will complicate any further attempts to remove her from office, as her grassroots base appears undeterred by the mounting pressure against her.
The celebratory scene stood in sharp contrast to the heightened security measures imposed by local authorities. Earlier, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Monday, had imposed an indefinite curfew, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.
The move, widely seen as a direct response to Senator Natasha’s planned homecoming, was in alignment with directives from the Kogi State Government and the Commissioner of Police.
In a statement, Monday declared that the curfew was aimed at curbing unauthorised political rallies and preventing unregulated public gatherings that could lead to unrest. He warned that anyone found violating the order would be arrested and prosecuted.
“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.
The police, acting under Governor Usman Ododo’s administration, also enforced a ban on the senator’s homecoming rally, stating that intelligence reports had uncovered plans by hoodlums to hijack the event.
The police spokesperson, SP William Ovye Aya, justified the decision, emphasizing that law enforcement would not allow any activities capable of disrupting the state’s stability.
The Kogi State Government has defended the curfew and the ban, arguing that they are necessary measures to maintain peace and prevent misinformation from spreading. However, residents remain divided on the issue.
While some citizens agree with the government’s stance on security, others believe the restrictions are a politically motivated effort to suppress opposition voices.
Civil society organizations and community leaders have urged authorities to ensure that security measures do not infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights.
Meanwhile, supporters of Senator Natasha have demanded an immediate reversal of the curfew, condemning it as an attempt to stifle democracy and opposition politics in the state.
As tensions continue to escalate in Kogi State, the dramatic reception of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reinforced her position as a formidable force in the state’s political landscape.
Her defiant return, despite government restrictions, has once again put the spotlight on the deep divisions within Kogi’s political arena and the lengths to which both sides are willing to go in this ongoing battle for power.