Natasha gifts 2,400 bags of grains to constituents

The suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) on Sunday distributed 2,400 bags of grains to her constituents for celebration of the ongoing Ramadan fasting.

The items distributed by Natasha include 1,200 bags of beans and 1,200 bags of millet which are being distributed to the people of Kogi Central irrespective of political affiliation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Israel Arogbonlo, said that the gesture was to alleviate their burden of purchasing food during the Ramadan season.

The senator who represented Mr Abdulrahman Badamasiu said that the distribution was initially delayed due to recent distractions.

Badamasiu explained that the distribution covers all 57 wards in the district, targeting religious bodies, market women, forums, and party faithfuls.

He urged constituents to pray for Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan fasting.

He explained that the senator’s suspension does not take away her mandate as a duly elected senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that she has made a mark and has performed tremendously within just one year in office.

He assured that the lawmaker would continue her empowerment programmes and training for constituents to become self-employed in spite of the distractions.

“In the coming week, a handful of constituents will be trained in various skills and empowered as part of Senator Natasha’s vision of creating employment opportunities for her people,” he said.

Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate for six months over alleged gross misconduct and unruly behaviour.

However, the Kogi Central Senator had also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

Some members of her constituents have also commenced moves to recall her.

While backing the move, the Kogi Central Women Development Association (KCWDA) in a recent statement by the association’s spokesperson, Mrs Christy Omale, praised the Senate’s six-month suspension of Natasha citing her gross misconduct and unruly behaviour.

Omale criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, particularly her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying it undermined the efforts of other female politicians in Kogi Central.

She condemned the senator for failing to present solid evidence, instead taking the matter to international media, thereby damaging Nigeria’s image globally.

“We demand an apology and will mobilise groups in Kogi Central to begin recalling Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate,” Omale stated.

She added, “What began as a seat change quickly escalated into sexual harassment allegations, shocking many and causing dismay among her constituents.

“We won’t judge the truth of her claims, but we can assess her response and its impact on female politicians’ credibility in the zone.