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An important meeting on the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was held yesterday by the leadership of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This came as Akpoti-Uduaghan defended her allegations of sexual harassment against Senator Godswill Akpabio and rejected alleged reports that she had apologized to Senate leadership for the scandal that resulted in her suspension.

But yesterday, Natasha’s supporters stormed the INEC offices in Abuja, calling for her recall right away.

Due to Akpabio’s alleged sexual harassment, Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently on a six-month ban.

An interim order prohibiting INEC, its employees, agents, privies, or assigns from receiving, accepting, or acting upon any petition signed by Kogi Central Senatorial District members was issued by a court last Thursday.

However, on Friday, a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, overturned a previous decision that prevented INEC from receiving the recall petition against Natasha that was started by residents of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The court urged the people to continue expressing their rights in a peaceful and orderly manner, affirming in its ruling that the recall process was constitutionally legitimate and in line with their civic rights.

However, the electoral body convened yesterday to discuss the senator from Kogi’s recall request.

“The Commission is meeting on the Kogi recall process now (yesterday),” the short message from the INEC Acting Director of Publicity, Esther Chibuikem, read.

A petition dated March 21 was delivered to the commission by some of her constituents who had stormed INEC offices, claiming they no longer trusted her to serve them.

“We, the undersigned being duly registered voters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Senator Natasha Akpot-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.

“In particular, this petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpot-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), as well as INEC S Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions

“Kindly recall that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as our Senator by verdict of the Court of Appeal, Abuja on Tuesday October 31, 2023 which affirmed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate as winner of the February 25, 2023 Kogi Central Senatorial election

“This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process and a pattern of deceitful behaviour that has not only embarrassed the people of Kogi: Central constituency but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions

“By this petition, which we have made sure it’s signed by more than one-half of the registered voters in Kogi Central. We, hereby, demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpot-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant.”

Omole Charity, the group’s leader, stated that they voted her in and have now chosen to recall her.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has refuted rumors that she apologized to the Senate for the scandal that resulted in her suspension.

The politician reaffirmed her position on the matter that led to her six-month suspension in a statement on Monday, calling the allegations “false and misleading.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan said: “The purported reports circulating that I have apologised to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions, and I have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals are peddling falsehoods in an attempt to distort the truth and mislead the public.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan asked the public to ignore the rumors and publications, claiming they did not reflect her views, while accusing anonymous people of trying to sway public opinion through false remarks.

She insisted that she was still dedicated to justice, truth, and the people she stood for.

“I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stand firm in my resolve to never apologise for speaking my truth. The desperation to silence me is palpable, but I will not be intimidated.

“The games being played in full view of the Nigerian people will be exposed, and the corrupt individuals who have hijacked our institutions will be held accountable.

“As a senator, I have a duty to represent my constituents and uphold the principles of justice and transparency.

“My allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were not made lightly, and I will continue to seek justice and accountability, no matter the cost.

“My six-month suspension is a clear case of political victimisation, but I will not be deterred. I will continue to fight for the rights of Nigerian women and ensure that our voices are heard.

“I urge the public to ignore the viral report claiming that I apologised to the Senate, as it is entirely false. I will continue to stand by my truth and fight for what is right, even in the face of adversity,” she vowed.

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