The suspended senator represented Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan declared that she was “not a bastard” and “not afraid of anyone.”
She said in a speech to a large number of supporters during a return to school event in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) in Kogi State on Tuesday afternoon, April 1.
Her return comes amid heightened political tensions as Kogi State Government and Police Command earlier banned public gatherings on the grounds of security concerns. Okehi LGA Chairman, Hon. Amoka Eneji also imposed a curfew on the LGA to stop Natasha from planning back-school and Sallah celebrations with her voters.
However, Natasha arrived at a chopper country house in Ihima around 1:00 pm on Tuesday, and a group of enthusiastic supporters gathered at her private residence at 1:00 pm on Tuesday.
Natasha addressed her supporters, first expressing her joy of returning to her hometown.
“I need everyone to pay attention to what I want to say. It’s great to go home,” she said.
She switches between Ebira and English, she announces
She said: “I’m glad I’m home. No one, no one can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira. Dr. Akputti is my father. I know my home. I’m not a jerk.”
Reiterating her position, she continued.
“I am an Ebira girl. This is my land. I am the daughter of the late Dr. Jimoh Akpoti. I am not a bastard and I am not afraid of anyone.”
Natasha’s visit came in a ban on Monday against the Kogi State government’s public gatherings, citing a potential threat to public peace. To enforce the ban, Okehi LGA Chairman Hon. Amoka Eneji announced a curfew throughout the council area to prevent Natasha’s homecoming activities.
Despite apparently limiting her planned homecoming party, Natasha’s supporters violated the curfew and challenged a lot to welcome her back.
“Yesterday, we heard the news that rallies and gatherings are not allowed, the roads will be blocked and the convoys leading to the state will not allow. I know we are the target. But, I said, it’s not political season, it’s not campaign time.
We didn’t meet. This is me, the Senator on behalf of Kogi Central, boils down to the time when her people celebrate this festival – Sallah with you, nothing wrong with it. I’m not breaking the law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to freedom to express our choices in gatherings and celebrations. ” she said
