Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituency, Kogi central senatorial district is now divided over the process of recalling her. Those who are in support of the recall cited lack of confidence in her representation and gross misconduct, while those who are against the process described the exercise as an effort in futility.
The ongoing recall process is expected to take two days across all polling units in the five local governments of Kogi Central.
The recall process simultaneously took place across four local governments (Okehi, Okene, Ajaokuta and Ogori/Magongo). It was gathered that the process will continue in Adavi local government area.
There was large turnout in Okene, Okehi and Ajaokuta, while the turnout in Ogori/Magongo was minimal.
During the exercise, constituents will be required to sign a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), calling for the senator’s recall.
According to one of the constituents, who did not want his name in print, the recall is beyond party lines, adding that it highlights dissatisfaction with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance in addressing issues like poverty, infrastructure, and education.
Another constituent noted that a recall is difficult but it is not impossible and called on the senator to engage critical stakeholders in her senatorial district to forestall the recall.
Also, an electorate, who identified himself as Nura Ibrahim from Okene, told BusinessDay that getting the required signatures for the recall of the senator may not be achievable.
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Also, an APC member from Ihima in Okehi LGA, Abbas Aliyu, said the recall exercise was an effort in futility. He recalled that the same process was initiated to recall Senator Dino Melaye, during the period of Yahaya Bello and it failed, as he called on the people of Kogi Central to have a rethink, saying that the senator is doing well and does not deserve to be humiliated.
“I think the Federal Government is behind this move. If the people want to recall their Senator, it should not be one party affairs,” he said.
Amina Muhammed, a woman leader in Ajaokuta, said although there was a turnout across Ajaokuta LGA, she refused to participate, because she does not see any reason for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“I do not see why she should be recalled. She is doing well. She recently empowered the youth and women; so, what has changed between January and March?”
Earlier, a group on the platform of Good People of Kogi Central, had called on the people of the area to be vigilant about some people with sinister intention to recall the senator, who they described as a performing lawmaker.
In a statement signed by Abdulrahman Badamasuiy, a chieftain of the PDP from Central and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s campaign DG, on behalf of the group, cautioned electorates from Kogi Central not to volunteer information relating to their voters card in the name of any empowerment.
He also advised them not to sign any form for whatever reason, noting it was a ploy to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan.
