No law stops me from celebrating Sallah with my constituents – Natasha
Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has insisted that there is no legal restriction preventing her from celebrating Sallah with her constituents, dismissing claims that her visit was a political rally.
Addressing the people of Kogi Central during her homecoming visit on Tuesday, she clarified that her visit was not a political rally but simply a return to her community to mark the festive occasion.
She maintained that her actions did not violate any laws, emphasising that Nigerians have the right to gather and celebrate freely.
She said, “We are not having a rally. This is just me, the senator representing Kogi Central coming back to our people to celebrate this festive time, Sallah with you and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law.
“This is Nigeria, we have the right to be free, to express our choices in gathering and celebration. There is no law in this country, Nigeria, there is no law in the constitution that prohibits me from coming home to celebrate Sallah with my people.”
The lawmaker appreciated the people for their supports and coming out in their thousands to welcome her home despite the threats.
“Democracy is all about the people, as a representative of the people, seeing this amount of support, that’s where I get my courage from.
“Against all odds, people must find the courage to dare unjust situation, whatever happens from today, we commit everything to God’s hand.
“My suspension is illegal, it’s unjust because it’s against the Nigerian constitution and even the Senate rules says a Senator should not be suspended for modern 14 days.
“I call my suspension illegal, and unjust and I hope the court will do justice. It’s unfortunate that Justice Obiora Egwatu recuses himself
on the 25 March from the case, he did mention that he recuses himself because of the petition that the Senate President brought against him, but then I also got to know allegedly that he was threatened because that is what usually happened.
“I respect his decision and I hope the new judge, Justice Binta Nyako will be strong enough to stand against any threat because if bad people keep winning, the entire country suffers and democracy suffers. We need courageous people who will protect the institutions that are supposed to be independent.
“I look forward to getting back to the Senate so that I can resume my work as a duly elected Senator by my people. But if by chance, I am not called on time, I will continue to try my best for my people.
“Tomorrow we are going to flag off reconstruction of three primary healthcare in Kogi Central and we have an empowerment programme coming up this week, it doesn’t stop me from doing my work, even if it needs I have to work extra hard to make my people feel the good impact of democracy.
“I pray Nigerians across and even beyond Kogi Central will continue to lend their voices because an injustice to me is an injustice to everyone”, she said.
