A group of women politicians under the umbrella of “Arewa Women in Politics”, have accused Yahaya Bello for allegedly harassing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Kogi Central Senatorial Zone.
Addressing a press conference on Monday in Kaduna, Blessing John, Convener of the group, claimed that there are deliberate efforts to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan and called for tight security protection around her.
The group said, “This renewed all round attack on her is not unconnected with her rising popularity amongst her constituents.
John said, Akpoti-Uduaghan, has remained a lone voice in the wilderness in Kogi politics, speaking against the none performance of Bello who took over the reign of Kogi state as a result of divine accident.”
The group stated that, “Since the signing into law of the amended 2022 Electoral Act by President Muhammadu Buhari, the governor has realised that it won’t be business as usual, hence, his resort to shortcut and urging security agencies to arrest and detain Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We believe, her only offence is the fact that she is contesting against the unpopular candidate of the governor and always speaking truth to power, not minding whose ox is gored.”
The group further alleged that the governor “and his minions have resorted to sponsoring all manner of groups to launch campaign of calumny against Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rising political fortune in Kogi state.
John said, “Nigerians and the world at large, watched with shock the video of some women celebrating Yahaya Bello and his ‘Tatatatatatata’, election victory.
According to the group, “It was that electoral robbery that led to the gruesome murder of Mrs. Salome Abuh, the PDP Women Leader who doubled as women leader for Wada/Aro Campaign Organization.
“The world knows those that are promoting insecurity in Kogi for their quest for power.”
The group maintained that, “The more Governor Yahaya Bello tries to use insecurity to blackmail Akpoti-Uduaghan,
the more he is exposing his weaknesses and obvious failure…
“He can’t enjoy the blaring of siren in his convoy, and then turn around to blame Akpoti-Uduaghan for his failure.
“If his conscience is judging him, that he has failed to protect Kogi people, he should humbly resign.
“Workers are not getting paid for their labour talk more of our aged parents who have since retired from service.”
According to the group, “Since the Presidential ambition of Yahaya Bello hit the rock bottom, he has been behaving like a wounded lion, looking for who to devour.
“Akpoti-Uduaghan is just a victim of transfer of aggression.”
The group called on the National Peace Committee led by former Military Head of state, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, to pay special attention to happenings in Kogi state and ensure level playing ground for all those running for elections.
“We call on the international community to equally set up a situation room in Kogi state, especially, Kogi Central Senatorial District and ensure that all promoters and perpetrators of electoral violence are sanctioned with visa ban and other appropriate punishments”, the group added.
