In Pictures: Kogi Defies Ban to Welcome Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
Despite the government of Kogi State imposing a ban on rallies and processions, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central, received a rousing welcome from her constituency during her homecoming on Tuesday.
After plans for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming were announced, the government placed a ban on public gatherings due to what it called ‘security reports.’
However, residents defied the ban to welcome the embattled Senator, who has been suspended by the Nigerian Senate for six months.
Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived dramatically in a white helicopter to a waiting crowd with cheers and drums.
Addressing the crowd, she claimed that she was home to celebrate the festive period.
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings would not be allowed, that roads would be blocked, and convoys leading into the state would not be permitted. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not the political season, this is not campaign time,” she said.
She added, “We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah – with you, and there is nothing wrong with that.
“I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
Her defiance comes amid ongoing tensions with the Senate President, whom she accused of sexual harassment.
