CurrentReport Blog Thousands of constituents from Kogi Central have strongly endorsed the ongoing recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing her continued stay in the Senate as a “mistake” that needs to be corrected. The constituents, who are primarily members of the Kogi Central Grassroots Movement, have expressed their determination to remove the embattled senator from office, citing her alleged failure to represent the interests of the region.
The movement, which is made up of over 10,000 people from the five local government areas of Kogi Central, voiced their concerns in a statement issued on Wednesday. The statement was signed by the group’s Coordinator, AbdulHameed Jimoh, and Secretary, Mohammed Abdullahi. According to the group, the recall process is a necessary step to ensure that Kogi Central is effectively represented in the Senate.
Allegations of Misrepresentation and Falsehoods
The constituents accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of engaging in “fabricated” videos and spreading misleading information about the recall process. They argue that her actions in the Senate have been driven by personal interests rather than the welfare of Kogi Central, leading them to call for her immediate removal.
The statement emphasized that despite claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan and her team, the recall movement has widespread support among Kogi Central residents. “The embattled Senator is currently a paper-weight politician,” the group declared, urging Nigerians to disregard the senator’s claims and visit Kogi Central to see the situation for themselves.
Accusations of Manipulation and Propaganda
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been vocal about her opposition to the recall process, previously accused the Kogi state government of being behind the efforts to remove her. However, the constituents have rejected this assertion, claiming that many of her former supporters in the region have abandoned her. “She went to the National Assembly to pursue her personal interests, not the interest of Kogi Central,” they said.
Furthermore, the group criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for attempting to manipulate public opinion through a protest in Okene, where she allegedly sent items to residents to encourage them to take part in the demonstration. The constituents accused her of importing individuals from outside the region and falsely labeling them as Kogi Central residents in order to inflate the numbers of her supporters.
“Her team then churned out orchestrated false media reports, claiming that people had been tricked into signing the recall register,” the statement added. The Kogi Central Grassroots Movement insists that the recall process is not based on deceit, and that those participating in the exercise are fully aware of what they are doing.
The Fallout of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Actions
According to the Kogi Central constituents, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions have drawn unnecessary negative attention to the region. They pointed to her recent engagement with the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations (UN), where she allegedly sought to internationalize a domestic issue. The group contends that her attempt to embarrass the Federal Government of Nigeria by taking the matter to the global stage is a significant misstep.
“You can’t disgrace your country before the world and still continue to maintain a leadership position,” the statement declared. The group argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behavior has caused enough damage and that the best course of action for her would be to resign from her Senate position. Since she has refused to step down voluntarily, the constituents have vowed to ensure she is removed through the ongoing recall process.
Calls for Media Accountability and Electoral Integrity
The Kogi Central Grassroots Movement also took issue with what they described as an attempt to discredit the legitimacy of the recall process. They rejected claims that constituents were either tricked or bribed into signing the recall petition with promises of cash or empowerment. The group emphasized that the electorate in Kogi Central is too sophisticated to be deceived by such tactics.
“We call on the media to verify the narratives being pushed out by a few individuals who are determined to close their eyes to the numerous alleged misdeeds of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” they said, urging journalists to report the truth about the recall process.
In conclusion, the constituents of Kogi Central have made it clear that they are resolute in their efforts to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing a range of grievances against her actions and conduct in the Senate. With the support of thousands of local residents, the recall movement is gaining momentum, and many believe it is only a matter of time before the senator is removed from office.
