Recall Petition Against Kogi Senator Gathers Momentum
Over 50% of Registered Voters in Kogi Central Senatorial District Petition for Recall
Over 50 per cent of registered voters in Kogi Central Senatorial District have petitioned Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recall their embattled Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from the 10th Senate.
Petition Submitted to INEC
The petition was submitted to INEC on Monday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The petition claims to have met the requirements stipulated by Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and was submitted with over 250,000 signatures out of 480,000 registered voters.
Loss of Confidence
According to the constituents, the petition arose from their loss of confidence in the embattled Senator. They claim that the Senator has engaged in gross misconduct, abused her office, evaded due process, and exhibited a pattern of deceitful behavior that has embarrassed the people of Kogi Central constituency and tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and democratic institutions.
Petition Text
The petition reads:
"This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on 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 constituency 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 one-half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we hereby demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant."
Background on the Senator
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was slammed a six-month suspension for breaching Senate Rules. She has also leveled sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Kogi Central Senatorial District Senator has maintained her innocence and has filed a suit challenging her suspension by the Senate in Court.
Conclusion
The recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has gathered significant momentum, with over 50% of registered voters in Kogi Central Senatorial District supporting the move. The outcome of this petition will be closely watched by Nigerians and international observers, as it may have far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the requirement for a recall petition?
The Nigerian Constitution requires over 50% of registered voters to append their signatures on the petition to initiate a recall process. - What is the purpose of the recall petition?
The petition aims to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant due to gross misconduct, abuse of office, and deceitful behavior. - What is the current status of the petition?
The petition has been submitted to INEC and is currently being processed.
Source: theabujainquirer.com
