John Ogele
March 21, 2025
Indigenes from Kogi Central have rejected claims that the recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is unsupported by the majority of the electorate. They emphasized that the situation has escalated into an “international embarrassment” due to the actions of the embattled lawmaker.
This stance was outlined in a statement released on Thursday, signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Ibrahim, President of the Kogi Central Elites Forum, and Prince Akerejola Johnson, Secretary of the Forum from Ogori/Magongo LGA.
The constituents strongly defended the recall process, rejecting accusations from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp that suggested the electorate was misled into supporting the effort. They reiterated their collective commitment, stating, “No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are united in this cause. We cannot be deceived. Akpoti-Uduaghan's actions have been largely propaganda.”
The statement continued, “Even those of us who supported her before have now distanced ourselves. We cannot sacrifice the integrity of our state and country for the selfish ambitions of one senator.”
Highlighting one of the key controversies, the group referenced the incident involving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to take her assigned seat in the Senate, which led to allegations of sexual harassment. The constituents decried this as an embarrassment, adding, “Such a minor issue should never have escalated into a national scandal, especially with the evidence pointing to blackmail. This behavior does not represent the values of the Ebira people.”
The group also addressed concerns over the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the recall process, clarifying that INEC’s involvement would only occur after the necessary signatures have been collected. They emphasized that the recall petition is being driven by the people, not external forces.
“We are the ones leading this effort, and we must ensure that the required threshold is met before presenting it to INEC for verification,” they explained. “Politicians may try to manipulate the narrative, but we are resolute in our mission to bring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan back home. Perhaps, during her time away, she will gain a better understanding of her responsibilities as a representative.”
The statement concluded by urging the public to disregard any misleading interpretations of the recall process. The group emphasized that, while they would never allow anyone to intimidate their daughter if she were in the right, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s failure to respect the Senate’s rules left them no choice but to act.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan should come home and learn how to truly represent her constituents. It’s not about creating content; it’s about effective lawmaking,” they asserted.
The controversy surrounding the National Assembly has intensified following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, after Akpoti-Uduaghan faced penalties for her refusal to comply with Senate rules.
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