Ebira indigenes have strongly condemned claims that the recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, lacks majority support from the electorate.

Some indigenes from across the five local government areas of Kogi Central have reaffirmed their commitment to recalling the senator, citing the embarrassment she has allegedly caused the senatorial district—an issue they claim has now gained international attention.

In a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim, President of the Kogi Central Elites Forum, KCEF, and Prince Akerejola Johnson of Ogori/Magongo LGA, the constituents dismissed allegations that the recall exercise was manipulated or orchestrated by external forces.

“No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are united in this cause. Historically, Ebiras cannot be deceived. What she has done has largely been propaganda.

“Even those of us who initially supported her on social media have withdrawn our support. We cannot compromise the integrity of our state and country for the self-serving, immature actions of a senator.

“A simple matter of refusing an assigned Senate seat should not have escalated into a national embarrassment with baseless allegations of ‘sexual harassment’, especially when all evidence points to blackmail. This is not who we are as Ebiras,” the statement read.

Addressing the disclaimer by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, regarding the recall process, the constituents clarified that INEC’s involvement comes later in the process.

“INEC has no official role until the signature collection phase is completed. We, the petitioners, are responsible for ensuring that the required threshold is met before formally presenting it for verification. That is when INEC steps in,” they stated.

They urged the public to disregard misleading narratives, emphasising that political statements often reflect individual biases and vested interests.

As Ebira people, we are determined to bring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan back home. Perhaps, during her time here, she will gain a better understanding of the responsibilities of representing her constituents.

“Ordinarily, we would never tolerate intimidation of our daughter if she were in the right.

However, in this case, she disrespected the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which operates under clear rules, and introduced narratives previously unheard of in Senate history.

“We have conducted our investigations and know the truth. Lawmaking is not content creation, as many have suggested.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must return home to learn the fundamentals of legislative representation,” the statement added.

This development follows allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which has further fuelled controversy within the National Assembly.

The sole administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has assured residents that his role is non-political and aimed at restoring governance and stability.

In a state broadcast on Thursday, Ibas, who officially commenced his duties at Government House, Port Harcourt, reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding civil liberties and ensuring citizens’ safety.

However, he issued a strong warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to reject any attempts to reignite past hostilities.

He described the prolonged political crisis as a major setback for governance and democracy in the state and acknowledged the hardships families and businesses have endured due to the ongoing uncertainty.

Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, calling it a necessary step to restore order and revive economic activity.

He assured that he would uphold the rule of law, but warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.

“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people.

“My mandate is clear: to restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth.

“But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he said.

He revealed that a State Security Council meeting had been convened, during which strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.

Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, Ibas also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.

Ibas added: “I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater.”

The House of Representatives on Thursday erupted into a rowdy session and shouting match as lawmakers debate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request seeking ratification of the state of emergency declared in River State.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had upon resumption of plenary read the request of the president seeking the ratification of the House in respect of the state of emergency declared in River State.

The Speaker after reading the letter asked the leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, to move a motion for second reading of the request to enable lawmakers debate the request.

However, trouble started when a lawmaker, Obi Aguocha, raised a point of order, drawing the attention of the Speaker to the need for the House to form a quorum as required by the constitution.

The point of Order raised by lawmaker led to a shouting match and rowdy session from lawmakers with Speaker urging them to calm down.

This is the second time in 24 hours that the lawmaker would engage in heated argument over the President’s request.

Details later…