INEC screens petition demanding Natasha’s recall
The Independent National Electoral Commission is set to begin the review of the petition seeking the recall of the Senator who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The petition, presented on behalf of the constituents by Charity Ijese, was received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking after receiving the petition, Oriaran-Anthony assured that the Commission would adhere strictly to due process regarding recall as outlined in the Constitution.
The constituents claim that over 250,000 registered voters, which is more than half of the senatorial district’s electorate, signed the petition, thereby meeting constitutional requirements for Natasha’s recall.
The petition, titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on the Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” calls for the Senator’s removal over a series of allegations, including gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour.
The petition read, in parts, “We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.”
They cited Akpoti-Uduaghan’s controversial tenure, which included her suspension from the Senate.
“This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour that has not only embarrassed the people of Kogi Central but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions.
“By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we hereby demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant,” the petition also read.
A representative of the Kogi Central constituents, Comrade Salihu Habeeb expressed confidence in the success of the recall effort, stating that the community had united in calling for a more accountable representative.
He criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan for failing to engage with her constituents, even offering no message in response to their concerns.
The representative stated, “From the process, the Kogi Central indigenous people have carried out so far, this would be the first recall that will be successful. We have spoken with one voice. We need a credible representative.”
Another representative, Comrade Hamza Yakubu, stressed that the recall process was driven by logic and the needs of the people, not emotions.
He urged INEC to act swiftly on the petition.
Yakubu noted, “We believe that the recall process will be successful. The commission should review the submitted petition and immediately move into action.”
Also, Ijese, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the petition was a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged misconduct and her failure to effectively represent the interests of Kogi Central.
The recall petition is sequel to a series of contentious events involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
On March 22, a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja lifted a restraining order that had prevented INEC from receiving the petition.
The court ruled that the recall process was constitutionally valid, affirming the civic rights of the constituents to initiate such a procedure.
It encouraged the petitioners to continue exercising their rights peacefully.
Similarly, a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi on Monday vacated the ex-parte injunction earlier granted to Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 20.
Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court, who gave the order setting aside the injunction he granted, also ordered the acceleration of the case before him.
Dashen had on Thursday granted an interim injunction restraining INEC, its staff, agents, privies or assigns from receiving, accepting or acting on any petition containing signatures of members of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The court also stopped INEC from conducting any referendum upon such petition to initiate a re-call process of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pending the determination of the Motion on Notice to the same effect.
But INEC, through its Counsel, Mr Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), made an oral application for the setting aside of the exparte injunction granted Akpoti-Uduaghan and for an accelerated hearing of the case.
Aliyu argued that the Federal High Court by provisions in the constitution does not have the jurisdiction to stop a constitutional body like INEC from carrying out its constitutional function.
Meanwhile, suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan in a statement on Monday, described the claims as “false and misleading,” insisting that she still stands by her position.
“The reports suggesting that I have apologized to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.
She criticised those spreading the false reports, accusing them of trying to twist the truth and mislead the public.
The senator, who was suspended after a disagreement with Senate leadership, said she remains committed to defending the rights of her people. She also claimed that some individuals were trying to manipulate public opinion with fake statements.
“I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.”
She also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly.
She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.”
