Residents of Kogi Central have reacted to the recent court injunction secured by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the embattled lawmaker representing the district, describing it as a clear indication that she “knows her time is up.” The injunction, which bars the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting a petition for her recall, has been interpreted by constituents as a desperate move to cling to power.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Kogi Central Renaissance Assembly (KCRA), constituents from across the district’s five local government areas accused the senator of acting out of desperation. They argued that her attempts to discredit the recall process, including labeling the signatures on the petition as “fictitious,” reveal her fear of being ousted from office.
“It’s ironic that the same person who called the recall process a sham is now running to the courts to stop INEC from even receiving the petition,” the statement read. “If the signatures are truly fictitious, as she claims, why not let INEC verify them? Her actions reek of panic and a last-ditch effort to avoid the inevitable.”
The statement, signed by KCRA Coordinator Adeku Joshua and Secretary Maleek Sule, emphasized that the senator’s legal maneuver would not deter the constituents from pursuing the recall process. “We understand your desperation, Senator Natasha, but you cannot force yourself on the people of Kogi Central. This course of action is dead on arrival. You’ve already embarrassed yourself and the district, and it’s time for you to come home,” they declared.
The constituents reiterated their commitment to seeing the recall process through, stating that it was necessary to restore the integrity of the district, the state, and the nation. “We, the Ebira people, do not condone blackmail or misconduct. We stand by this recall and will see it to the end. The world must know that we are a people of integrity. We will no longer tolerate actions that embarrass our nation on the global stage,” the statement added.
The court injunction, granted by a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, temporarily prevents INEC from receiving or acting on any petition containing what Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described as “fictitious signatures” from Kogi Central constituents. However, the KCRA and other supporters of the recall process remain undeterred, vowing to continue their efforts to hold their representative accountable.
As the legal battle unfolds, the people of Kogi Central have made it clear that they are determined to reclaim their voice and restore dignity to their representation. “This is not just about one individual; it’s about the future of our district and our nation. We will not back down,” the statement concluded.
