The ongoing recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not a political game, as some would like to portray it, but a legitimate constitutional exercise driven by the dissatisfaction of the people of Kogi Central.
Instead of addressing the concerns of her constituents, Senator Natasha and her supporters have resorted to dismissing the recall as a fraudulent political maneuver. However, the facts speak for themselves.
The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, empowers the electorate to recall any elected representative who has failed in their duties. Section 69 of the Constitution clearly states that once a petition is submitted with the required number of signatures, INEC is mandated to verify and proceed with the process. If the people of Kogi Central feel that their senator has not represented them effectively, they have every right to initiate a recall.
Those opposing the recall are quick to call it a “joke,” but the question remains: why are they afraid of a verification process? If over 250,000 signatures were truly forged, INEC’s verification will expose that. Instead of dismissing the recall with baseless accusations, let the process go forward and allow the people’s voice to be heard.
Leadership Is About Service, Not Ego
The essence of having a representative in each senatorial district is to ensure that every district contributes to national discussions. It is expected that anyone entrusted with such a responsibility will prioritize their constituency’s interests over personal ones. Unfortunately, our senator has chosen to focus on her personal interests rather than those of her people.
Knowing fully well that a suspension would negatively have impact on her constituents, her ego and pride prevented her from tendering an apology to the Senate, an apology that could have restored her ability to speak on behalf of Kogi Central. Beyond making laws, a senator’s conduct and character reflect on their constituents. A senator must not bring embarrassment to the people they represent. Anyone who is unwilling to make sacrifices for their constituency does not deserve to be a leader.
A senator’s primary duty is to make laws and represent the interests of their constituency. However, there is little, if not nothing, to show in terms of impactful legislation or initiatives that directly benefit Kogi Central. I was shocked when I heard her claim that she was removed as chairman of the Local Content Committee because she rejected Senator Akpabio’s alleged advances. More concerning is her fight to reclaim that committee position instead of lobbying for the chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel Development, which has direct access to the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company, one of her major campaign promises. This clearly shows that her interests lie in committees that offer personal benefits rather than those that would uplift Kogi Central.
It is unacceptable that a senator would rather send herself into a six-month suspension over a seat reallocation, disregarding the needs of the people she was elected to serve. Kogi Central deserves a senator who attracts federal projects and infrastructure, not one who is more concerned with painting schools and sharing rice.
Since the beginning of her dispute with the Senate, she has not deemed it necessary to visit her constituents and explain why she refused to apologize. This further proves that she is in the office for herself, not for the people who voted for her. She behaves as if she is doing Kogi Central a favor by representing them in the Red Chamber.
The claims that people were “deceived” into signing the recall petition are laughable and insulting to the intelligence of the electorate. This is not the first time Senator Natasha has insulted the people of Kogi State, she did the same in 2019 when she claimed that women in the state had resorted to prostitution while trying to criticize the government of the day. The people of Kogi Central are not ignorant. They understand why they are signing the petition, and their dissatisfaction is the driving force behind this movement.
Instead of shifting focus to INEC, Sen Natasha should explain why thousands of voters feel betrayed by her leadership. The recall process is not about political opponents, it is about accountability. If she is as popular as she claims, why is she afraid of a democratic process that allows the people to decide?
In conclusion, a recall is not about emotions; it is a constitutional right. INEC should conduct its verification process transparently, and if the required threshold is met, a referendum should be held. Those who oppose the recall should focus on convincing the people why she should remain in office instead of attempting to suppress their democratic right.
Kogi Central deserves quality representation, and if Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has failed in her duties, the people have the right to demand better. Let democracy take its course.
– Engr Ira Habib writes from Lokoja.
