Kogi State Central Senatorial District has thrown its support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan in the ongoing brouhaha, between her and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The umbrella sociocultural body of the area, Ebira People’s Association (EPA), in a statement today, February 28, by its President, Dr. Godwin Oyibo said that they, whom she’s representing in the Senate, are solidly behind her.
“It is imperative at this point to reiterate the support of Kogi Central Senatorial District to the distinguished Senator, Barrister Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and to express our confidence in her representation at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“She has so far impressed Kogi Central in her legislative roles and we demand that she should not be persecuted for whatever reason.”
The Association warned those who are imputing ethnic colouration to the faceoff that could be resolved within the senators themselves to desist forthwith.
“We take special note of the developments from the infamous “nightclub” comment, followed by her sudden removal as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Contents, to the abrupt removal from her seat which turn out to have some punitive undertone given the ensuing fireworks in social and conventional media.
“EPA wishes to put on record that its silence all these while has not been out of indifference, as the association believes that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which membership are distinguished Nigerians are capable of solving such internal dispute taking cognizance of rights,privileges and dignity of all senators, irrespective of tribe, gender or party affiliation.
“It recalled that recent development where tribal organizations are now protesting on behalf of a party in the internal issue of the Senate automatically triggered the concern of the constituency of Senator Natasha.
“We therefore call on the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to rise up to the occasion so as to checkmate those with sinister motives who could perpetrate the culture of gangsterism, harassment and intimidation in an issue which once occurred in the past and was resolved amicably by the 8th Senate.
“We are watching keenly every activity, utterances, and conducts of some individuals, groups, and other stakeholders, even before the commencement of the sitting of the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the Senate. We are taking notes of all these and will respond at the appropriate time.”
