Natasha Hadiza AkpotiKwame Nkrumah in his book “Africa must unite” said: “the history of human achievement illustrates that when an awakened social crusader emerges from a subjected people, he becomes the vanguard of the struggle against alien and barbaric rule.”
Similarly, Martin Luther King Jnr. also said: “human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable…. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
The rhetoric of human existence has never eschewed the question of what would have become of human society without the selfless actions of social reformers all over the world; those who dare to question the authoritative society in the face of threats, intimidation, carnage and outright torture of those who reprove the set order. Just like a dusky cave faintly illuminated by transcendent twilight, Natasha has provoked traffic within Kogi political space, daring some glaringly superfluous leaders in the Lugard house.
There’s no gainsaying that through thick and thin, Natasha Hadiza Akpoti has resiliently built reputable million disciples with no compulsion but result-oriented convictions. She has come to mean different things to different people. To some Nigerians, Natasha is veteran activist whose unique strength contradicts the perceived disposition of the feminine gender. Some have likened Natasha’s kind heart to that of compassionate soul of the Calcutta’s Teresa; her pragmatism to that of the British Hilder Thatchers even as others likened her resilient vision to that of Luther King Junior’s, the Gandhi’s and Mandiba’s kind of advocacy that liberated once drowning nations of the world. There’s no doubt Natasha has come to position Ebira Nation in proper perspective while liberating a much larger society which cut across every spheres of life.
I make bold to say that one of the most interesting senatorial districts in Nigeria is Kogi Central. The district holds the State Governor, Yahaya Bello with five Local government areas, including Okehi, Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/ Magongo. It accounts for more than 21% of the state’s registered voters and predominantly Ebira speaking people aside Ogori/ Magongo council area which incidentally, remained the smallest LGA in the state with just two communities of Ogori and Magongo.
However, it is obvious that the contest is between Alhaji Yakubu Oseni of APC representing the wish of the Governor and Natasha Akpoti of SDP, representing people’s choice. Although, there are about five contenders seeking the mandate but Natasha remains the dark horse in the race.
If Natasha wins, it won’t be a surprise as Ebira people have history of rejecting an incumbent and sidelining a ruling party to vote for a third force, especially when such incumbent performed abysmally. In the 1979 Nattional Assembly election, Ebira rejected the incumbent candidate of National Party of Nigeria, NPN; sidelined the ruling unity party of Nigeria, UPN candidate to vote for candidate of Great Nigeria Peoples party, GNPP. Analysts have posited that similar thing will happen in the 2019 election.
Aside Natasha’s qualifications, it is hoped she will balance the gender deficit in our political arrangements and work assiduously to fulfil the presidential quest of 35% women participation in elective office.
It should be noted that the future of our budding democracy is ultimately dependent on vibrant and knowledge driven legislative governance architecture, therefore any individual that must be elected to the Hallow chamber from Kogi Central must understand the complexities and intricacies of contemporary legislative craft especially as it relates to law-making, appropriation and oversight of executive actions in which case Natasha represents. Natasha over the years has single handedly displayed concern for industrial revolution through resuscitation of Ajaokuta steel company with a plea asking that FG immediately terminate arbitration with ISPLAT/GSHL and appoints TPE to complete Ajaokuta steel company. She protested against the reconcession of National iron ore mining company (NIOMCO) to Global Holdings limited because of their roles in vandalization and running-down of NIOMCO, Ajaokuta Steel Complex and Delta Steel which caused the termination of their erstwhile concession by late President Umar Yar’Adua.
As the die is cast, security agencies must maintain absolute neutrality and protect all parties in fairness and justice. Independent National Electoral Commission must as well ensure that it remains truly independent to conduct free, fair and credible election in Kogi Central Senatorial district.
From the hindsight, it’s crystal clear that a victory for Natasha’s Senate ambition is a victory for the masses who have been clamouring for selfless and visionary leaders in the central senatorial district of the state.
