Despite the ban on rallies and restrictions on convoys, a massive crowd of supporters thronged Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday to welcome home Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The senator arrived at her town by helicopter, stunning the waiting crowd, who had gathered in front of her country home in Ihima since morning.
The supporters, carrying placards and chanting in solidarity, defied police warnings and a curfew imposed by the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Monday, ahead of her homecoming.
The ban on public gatherings by the Kogi State Government on Monday had heightened tensions, with security forces citing concerns about potential disturbances. However, the senator remained defiant, asserting that she had every right to visit her hometown.
Earlier, Akpoti-Uduaghan had issued a strong warning via social media, stating that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello should be held responsible if any violence erupted during her Sallah celebrations.
“Nobody Can Stop Me From Coming Home”
Addressing the cheering crowd in her native Egbira language, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to her people and dismissed attempts to intimidate her.