By Ihechi Enyinnaya
In a striking move that underscores the deepening rift between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her constituents, the people of Kogi Central have firmly defended the recall process against the embattled lawmaker. The controversy surrounding the recall, fueled by accusations of misconduct and poor representation, has now taken on a significant international dimension, with local leaders voicing strong condemnation of the senator’s actions. The indigenes, who span across the five local governments of Kogi Central, insist that the recall is not a product of external manipulation, but rather a genuine desire to bring their representative back home due to the embarrassment she has caused.
The statement, issued on Thursday, was jointly signed by Alh. Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim, the President of the Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF), and Prince Akerejola Johnson, the Secretary, from Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area. In their statement, the leaders rejected accusations that the recall process had been influenced by inducements or external pressure. They stressed that the majority of the electorate in Kogi Central stood behind the recall effort, and any suggestions of deception were unfounded.
The indigenes argued that the notion of external interference in the recall was “mischievous,” noting that Ebira people were known for their strong sense of integrity and unity. “No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are largely united on this cause,” the statement read. They also highlighted that many individuals who had initially supported Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, particularly on social media, had since distanced themselves from her due to her actions. The statement further emphasized that the senator’s behavior, which they described as propaganda-driven, had gone beyond the pale of acceptable conduct for a public official.
The statement went on to address the matter that had spurred the recall process: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to respect the rules of the Nigerian Senate, which had led to a national embarrassment. The constituents criticized the senator for her involvement in a controversy that had made headlines globally, particularly the allegations of sexual harassment linked to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This situation had been triggered by the senator’s failure to comply with established Senate rules and her subsequent behavior, which the constituents described as “juvenile tendencies” unbecoming of a lawmaker.
The statement also refuted claims that the senator had been unfairly treated or that the recall process was invalid due to a misunderstanding of the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to the indigenes, INEC had no direct role in the recall process until the petitioners had collected the necessary signatures, a phase which they were actively undertaking. “We are the ones that are doing the recall, the petitioners. We have to ensure that the required threshold is met before formally presenting it for verification,” the leaders clarified, urging the public to ignore any misleading interpretations of INEC’s involvement.
The indigenes’ statement further underscored the severity of the situation, expressing disappointment at the senator’s disregard for the honor of the Senate and her failure to represent her constituents effectively. They called for her to return home and “learn the art of lawmaking,” arguing that her time in office had been more focused on personal publicity than on substantive legislative work. They contended that the senator had allowed her actions to undermine the integrity of both the Senate and the Ebira people, and that it was time for her to reevaluate her approach to public service.
“Ordinarily, we would never have allowed anyone to intimidate our daughter if she was on her right. But in this particular instance, she disrespected the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has clear rules and went on to introduce slants that have never been heard of in the history of the Senate,” the statement concluded.
This bold statement from the Kogi Central constituents reflects their deep frustration with the senator’s performance and their determination to hold her accountable. While Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp has tried to portray the recall as a result of political sabotage, the indigenes of Kogi Central are resolute in their conviction that they are acting in the best interests of their people and the reputation of the region.
As the recall process continues, it remains to be seen whether the senator will heed the calls from her constituents or continue to challenge the legitimacy of the effort. In the meantime, the situation continues to attract widespread attention, with many Nigerians closely watching the unfolding drama in Kogi Central.