On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it had notified suspended Senator Natasha AkpotI-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central constituency, about the recall process against her by some of her constituents. Many believe that this recall move is connected with the Kogi senator’s faceoff with and sexual allegations against Senate President Godswill Apkabio. KINGSLEY ALUMONA sampled the opinions of some Nigerians on this matter. Their views:
OMOYENI Olawale Damilola
The recall is a democratic right of the constituents. Senator Natasha AkpotI-Uduaghan is not the Alpha and Omega. She is representing some people, and if the people feel she is not representing them well, with all her attitude and character, then it is not a big deal that she should be recalled. INEC has been transparent in making all the moves in that regard open to the public. I respect and trust the institution for that. In my opinion, Natasha does not deserve to be in the Senate. You cannot go out of the shores of Nigeria to speak ill of our institution, and yet, want to remain in that same institution.
Ishaq Mukaila
The shameless and futile recall exercise is a waste of resources, time, and energy. It will never see the light of the day. Natasha remains the Kogi Central senator till 2027 and beyond. She is the best senator that Kogi Central has ever had and, for this, the good people of Kogi Central are behind her anytime, anywhere, any day. All signatures were forged by mischief makers and it has no standing in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Uzozie Johnson
We are in a democracy. If truly the petition was signed by her constituency and it met INEC requirements, then it is assumed it is their wishes, irrespective of her innocence. I only want INEC to do a thorough investigation to ensure that the recall process is not manipulated or forged.
Samson
My opinion is simple. INEC should do the needful by verifying the claim from the supposed constituents without underhand dealings and foul play, and if found to be a lie, those responsible for forging the signatures and the impersonation should be brought to justice to serve as a deterrent in the future. The deliberate attempts to silence the vocal and quality representation that Natasha brought to the Senate intimidate even her colleagues, who are used to focusing on their pockets and stomachs.
Ishak Onyinoyi
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is doing a good job in her constituency. Within a year in office, we can see the evidence. What exactly is the reason for her recall? Nigerians are not gullible. If INEC should approve those fictitious signatures, it would pose a threat to our democracy, where most Nigerians would now see reasons to recall any legislator they do not like his or her face. There might be a lot of messed-up recalls going forward.
Imeremba Odochimerem
She needs to be recalled so that someone mature can replace her. Nigeria needs men and women who are interested in bringing development and reforms, not s3x and s3xualities.
Sunday Agada
Recall her for what? Because she was suspended? Her constituency should go after the people who illegally suspended her. A recall should be based on underperformance. In her one year in office, she represented her people very well. Recalling the best senator of the year is insane.
Saidu Abdussalam
I do not know why Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s punishment is always in a haste. She is supposed to be given a free and fair hearing. An independent body should investigate all her allegations against Senate President Akpabio. On the other hand, Akpabio should also be given a free and fair hearing to defend himself. However, as things are going now, some people may think that Natasha is being penalised, but at the end of the day, the image of the Senate would be tarnished nationally and internationally.
Dallat Falade
The recall exercise was planned by some senators who do not have anything to offer Nigerians rather than to silence the voices of the masses. They should leave her alone to perform her duties.
Omar Pharuq
It is just a personal vendetta against her set by those supporting injustice to defeat her. Those behind her recall process must have been motivated by some political figures, either supporting Senate President Akpabio or the grave injustice done to her.
Senator Natasha’s fight should not only be a national concern but an international one since she is now being subdued by political gladiators. Injustice to one is injustice to all.
Ajetumobi Alli
I see it as a normal and the next step to take by the electorate because the person given an opportunity to represent them is doing something else in the Senate. So, the recall would serve as a lesson to other people planning to do the same thing. She left her primary assignment as a senator and was doing something else.
Anonymous
Senator Natasha Akpoti should have known that she was elected to represent her constituency in Kogi State. She was not elected as an advocate for women in the Senate. The point is that issues related to the electoral constituency ought to be her primary concern as a senator.
Obochi Samuel
With about 25 percent of voters’ turnout in the last general election that gave Senator Natasha Akpoti victory, it would be as difficult as a camel passing through the eye of a needle for the recall to be successful, except there is a gang-up by her opponents and the INEC to rig the recall process.
Francis Bigman Egwuatu
Senator Natasha Akpoti is a huge asset to Nigeria. Most Nigerians are not pleased with the way her case is being handled. Why not give her a fair hearing? And, we claim to operate a democracy. I think her case should be investigated by an independent body, other than the Senate. How could her case be in court and the senate is going ahead with her suspension and sanction, and one INEC is discussing her recall?
The INEC, which has already told the world that they have rejected the recall petition because it lacks details and contacts, and in the twinkle of an eye, the details and contacts have been manufactured. You all should bear one thing in mind — one day, Nigerians will stand for the right thing to be done.
Imeremba Odochimerem
A woman who felt too proud to obey the Senate rules is a disgrace. A woman who uses s3xual harassment to cover up her bad behaviour is a disgrace. A woman who is not ashamed to flirt around with men in the chamber and feels too big to obey rules due to over-familiarity is a disgrace. A woman who enjoys sexual advances, and suddenly rises to term it ‘s3xual harassment’ when she knows that she has misbehaved, is a disgrace. Finally, a woman who cannot apologise when she is wrong, but looks for a cover-up to attract public sympathy, is a disgrace.
I am a Nigerian hoping to see a better Nigeria. I cannot crucify Senate President Akpabio until I find concrete evidence to do so.
Daniel Godwin
Kogi Central is happy with Senator Natasha. In fact, in the history of the constituency, no senator has done what Natasha has done. The recall process was not initiated by the people of Kogi Central. It was rather initiated by a power-drunken APC gang who forged the names of both the dead and the living to see her removed.
Franz Dickson
Everybody knows that the recall is a fraudulent, sponsored exercise. But people have become so used to keeping silent, even when they see brazen oppression and injustice happening before their very eyes.
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