“I’m Breaking No Law” – Natasha Akpoti Holds Homecoming Rally Despite Ban [Video]

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan received a warm welcome from her supporters and residents of Ihima in Kogi State on Tuesday, despite a government ban on rallies and public gatherings.

By 8 a.m., crowds from across the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District had gathered in Ihima, Okehi LGA, to greet the PDP lawmaker.

Local musicians entertained the excited supporters as they waited for her arrival.

Cheers erupted when Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived in a white helicopter, defying the restrictions imposed by the state government.

Speaking to the crowd, she addressed the government’s ban, saying that her visit was not a rally but simply a chance to celebrate Sallah with her people.

She 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.”

Her homecoming came just hours after the Kogi State Government cited security concerns to justify banning public gatherings.

In response, the Okehi LGA chairman, Amoka Monday, imposed a curfew, and the police warned her to cancel the event.

Despite the threats, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan declared that no one could prevent her from returning home.

“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bästard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” she declared.

Ahead of the visit, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of being responsible for any security disruptions that might occur.

The senator has been at the center of political controversy in recent months. She was suspended from the Senate for allegedly breaking its rules, following her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.

A recall process is also underway, but she maintains that her troubles are politically motivated.

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Meanwhile, former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of avoiding accountability in the sexual harassment case filed against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.