….Says alleged ‘inducement’ report is false and meant to divert attention
….Natasha’s camp claims the motivation is political and driven by external forces
The Ebira-speaking ethnic group in Kogi State has strongly condemned claims that the recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, lacks majority endorsement from the electorate.
Global Times reports that the recall process, which began recently, has sparked significant controversy and division among constituents.
The recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked significant controversy in Kogi Central. Supporters of the recall cite dissatisfaction with her performance, particularly her alleged inability to address pressing issues like poverty, infrastructure, and education. They argue that her public feud with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, including accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct, has distracted her from legislative duties.
They describe it as an attempt to suppress opposition voices, while some constituents have also accused her detractors of orchestrating the recall for personal or political gain.
The recall process involves gathering signatures across polling units in Kogi Central’s five local governments, with INEC expected to verify them before proceeding further. The situation remains divisive, reflecting broader tensions within the senatorial district.
The recall effort follows heightened tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with allegations of misconduct and political rivalry fueling the dispute. Critics of the recall process insist it is an attempt to distract from her legislative work and tarnish her reputation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to verify signatures before proceeding further.
The recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has intensified, with Ebira indigenes from Kogi Central’s five local governments expressing their determination to remove her from office. They argue that the senator has caused significant embarrassment to the senatorial district, which they claim has now reached an “international dimension” due to her actions.
The Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF) stated that the recall is widely supported by constituents and dismissed allegations of external sponsorship or manipulation. They criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for her alleged disrespect toward Senate rules and for introducing controversies, such as claims of sexual harassment, which they described as baseless and damaging to the district’s reputation. The group emphasized that the recall is aimed at ensuring better representation and accountability.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will verify signatures collected during the process before any further steps are taken
The stand to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was reinforced in a statement on Thursday, signed by Alh. Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim, President of the Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF), and Prince Akerejola Johnson, Secretary from Ogori/Magongo LGA. They expressed dissatisfaction with her representation, citing embarrassment caused to the senatorial district, which they claim has reached an international level.
The KCEF emphasized their resolve to bring the senator back home, dismissing allegations of external manipulation in the recall process. They criticized her alleged misconduct and public disputes, arguing that these have tarnished the district’s image and distracted from legislative priorities. The recall process, involving signature collection across Kogi Central’s five local governments, continues amid divided opinions among constituents.
The statement further urged Nigerians to disregard claims from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp that voters were deceived into participating in her recall process. They emphasized that the recall exercise reflects genuine dissatisfaction with her performance and representation.
The recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Kogi Central has seen significant turnout across the five local government areas, with many constituents expressing dissatisfaction over her handling of issues like poverty, infrastructure, and education.
The Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF) has dismissed claims from the senator’s camp that participants were misled into supporting the recall, insisting it reflects genuine discontent among voters.
The exercise, which began in polling units across the district, reportedly saw strong participation in areas like Okene, Okehi, and Ajaokuta but lower turnout in Ogori/Magongo. Constituents are required to sign a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the process to advance. While supporters of the recall view it as a legitimate expression of electoral dissatisfaction, opponents argue it is politically motivated and unlikely to succeed.
Reacting to the development, Opposition political parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), claim the process is politically motivated and driven by external forces, such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
“The recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has drawn strong support from some constituents of Kogi Central, who insist the effort is a collective and legitimate action, not influenced by external sponsorship. They emphasized that the people are united in their resolve, rejecting claims of manipulation. They accused the senator of engaging in propaganda and described her actions as selfish and detrimental to the integrity of Kogi State and Nigeria.
The recall process, which began across polling units in the district’s five local governments, has reportedly seen significant turnout, with participants citing dissatisfaction over issues like poverty, infrastructure, and education. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to verify signatures before proceeding further. While supporters of the recall highlight growing frustration with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s representation, her allies argue that the process is politically motivated.”
The controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall process and her clash with Senate leadership continues to generate heated reactions. They criticized the senator’s actions, particularly her handling of a dispute over Senate seating arrangements, which led to allegations of “sexual harassment” against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The group described the incident as unnecessary and damaging, stating, “A matter as simple as not taking an assigned seat in the Senate should not warrant a ‘sexual harassment’ national embarrassment of this nature, especially where all evidence points to blackmail. This is not who we are as Ebiras.”
“INEC assumes its official role subsequent to the signature collection phase. We, the petitioners, are spearheading the recall effort and are responsible for ensuring the required threshold is met. Once achieved, we will formally present it for verification, prompting INEC’s involvement.”
“They urged the public to disregard any mischievous interpretation of the recall process, saying politicians would always release statements based on their leanings and selfish interests.
It is our utmost priority as Ebira people to facilitate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return home, where she can acquire the necessary knowledge to better serve her constituents.”
“Normally, we would not have permitted anyone to intimidate our daughter if she were in her right mind. However, in this instance, she showed disrespect to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has established rules and introduced unprecedented slants.”
“We conducted an inquiry and are aware of the truth. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan should return home and familiarize herself with the art of lawmaking, which is not analogous to content creation, as many have observed.”
