Natasha Explains Akpabio’s Invitation To Kogi

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central has explained why she invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other senators to attend her project launch, even though there appears to be tension between her and the Senate leadership. She said the invitation was “customary” and “procedural for such occasions”.

During plenary, the Senate President read her letter inviting senators to Kogi for the commissioning of several projects to mark her second year in office. Part of the letter said: “In marking my second year anniversary as a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite fellow distinguished senators to join me for projects inauguration in Kogi State.”

Reacting to this, she said: “Today, as is customary for announcements of such nature, I wrote a letter to the Senate through the presiding office to the Senate President to read on the floor. I put out the invitation so it wouldn’t seem like I was celebrating in isolation. I’m a progressive person.”

She also added: “Even with ongoing court cases, I continue to carry out my duties in the chamber and follow proper procedures. That notification was part of the procedure.”

Speaking further, the senator recalled her challenges in the last two years. “Basically, today, in the celebration of my second year in office, six months of which I lost to an illegal suspension, I extended an invitation to all the senators.”

She continued: “The Senate President read it on the floor of the chamber. I actually give glory to God because some months ago, the plan was that my seat would have been pronounced vacant. But God, being merciful, saved me through all the ordeals I went through.”

“To the glory of God, we are celebrating our second year in office with the inauguration of many projects, which we are starting from today. I’ve just arrived in Kogi. I’m on my way to inaugurate the first water project.”

She listed more projects: “Then we’re having streetlights, transformers, police station quarters for DPOs and officers, a brand new primary school, a brand new secondary school, and two brand new markets in two different local governments, among many others.”

She added that the plans will continue until November 2. “To top it up, we are having a mega empowerment programme on November 2. Basically, from today until November 2, we have lined up projects that I will inaugurate.”

The senator also highlighted her efforts despite her suspension. “I just give glory to God because I found the courage to continue working for my people. If you recall, about three months ago, we did another massive round of empowerment and training. Drones, computers, and electric tools were given to constituents who were trained in specific skills.”

She thanked Nigerians for their support. “I want Nigerians to know that I appreciate them so far. From last year, when I marked my first year in office, till now, I lost six months, but I made sure my people did not feel deprived of the benefits of the office of the senator.”

“Even though it would have been more impactful if I had not been out of the office at all, I made sure I worked extra hard to bring the dividends of democracy to my people. I’m grateful to God,” she said.

She also spoke on the electric vehicle programme. “It is part of the mega empowerment on November 2. We’re empowering 2,000 people with different items, life-transforming equipment and tools.”

She explained further: “The electric vehicles, deep freezers, gas cookers, co-blast kits for shoemakers, sewing machines, fishery ponds, and farming tools, a whole lot. It’s a total of 2,000 beneficiaries on that day.”

The senator added she will stream the activities live. “As I said, from today, we have a number of activities lined up, and I will be televising them live, showcasing them. We’re just 10 minutes away from the first location in Lokoja, Ganaja, where we’ll inaugurate the water project. Then, I’ll travel the same night to Adogo, Jakuta proper, for the streetlights inauguration before getting back to Ihima.”

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