Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has urged former governor Yahaya Bello to focus on defending himself against corruption allegations rather than orchestrating efforts to recall her from the Senate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the senator thanked her constituents for standing by her despite alleged political persecution.
She described the recall campaign as a futile attempt to undermine the will of the people who elected her.
Bello is currently facing trial for an alleged N80.2 billion fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former governor has, however, denied any wrongdoing.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s response follows a statement from the Kogi State Government, issued on Tuesday by Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, who dismissed her claims that Bello, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo attempted to assassinate her.
The government labeled the allegations as ‘malicious falsehoods’ and accused the senator of misleading the public.
The senator, however, remained resolute, stating that she would not succumb to intimidation or blackmail.
She accused Bello of attempting to frustrate her mandate, recalling that he had allegedly sponsored multiple attacks against her before and during the last general elections.
“This recall attempt is nothing but another ploy to undermine the people’s will,” she said.
“The former governor’s hands are already full with corruption allegations, yet he is still bent on destabilising the mandate given to me by the people of Kogi Central.
“As for me, I will do more for my people and will not betray them.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan further asserted that the people of Kogi Central had already demonstrated their support for her and would continue to resist what she described as political intimidation.
The unfolding political tension in Kogi Central continues to generate reactions, with observers keenly watching how both sides navigate these controversy in the coming days .
