Natasha Storms Constituency In Helicopter

By Adesina Soyooye

The Senator representing Kogi Central District, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, overcame all obstacles thrown her way to be with he Constituents.

Both the State Government and the Police, to stop her from visiting her Constuency to celebrate Sallah with them, placed a ban on the movement of people on Tuesday. No convoy, no assembly of any kind, the State Government ordered. The Police also advised the Senator to cancel her visit. Both cited fear of violence if she arrives her Constuency to celebrate Sallah with her people. And so did the Chairman of her Local Government who ordered a curfew in the LGA.

But a defiant Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived her Ihima Community in a white Helicopter to a rousing welcome from the crowd which had gathered as early as 8.00am to await her.

It turned out a big celebration as her jubilant and excited supporters were entertained by a number of local musicians and other entertainers.

They went into a frenzy as soon as she came out from the Helicopter.

Addressing them, the embattled Senator said:

“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed; that roads will be blocked; and convoys leading into the State will not be allowed. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said this is not political season this is not campaign time.

“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.”

Earlier Tuesday, she had issued a statement to the effect that nobody could stop her from visiting her Constuency. She asked Nigerians to hold Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, and the immediate past Governor of the State, Yahaya Bello responsible if violence breaks out during her visit.