By Thompson Yamput
The Chatham House Group on Saturday called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold the highest standards of integrity in Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi, PDP) recall process currently under review.
Abdulrahman Zulqarnien Ozovehe
Convener, Chatham House, Kogi State Chapter, made the call in a statement he signed and issued in Lokoja.
It could be recalled that some concerned constituents of Kogi central senatorial district that Sen. Akpoti-Udueghan represents has presented a petition to INEC for her recall from the National Assembly.
The petition was sequel to her alleged misconduct during plenary and her suspension from the Senate.
But the group said, “The authenticity, credibility, and eligibility of this process must be verified with utmost diligence.”
“On this note, we’d like to seek the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to a viral video where All Progressive Congress (APC) ward stakeholders were seen signing and thumbprinting said “recall petition” against the people’s will on the basis of recalling a working and active Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We call for thorough scrutiny, alongside forensic verification/investigation of the purported signatures and thumbprints.
“This is because the petition that was received by INEC on March 24, submitted by the so-called “Concerned Kogi Women and Youths & Kogi Central Political Frontier” are obviously a politically motivated group.”
According to the group, In our very recent research, the lead petitioner, Hon. Charity Ijese Omole is currently a Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Women and Youth Mobilization.
The added: “She works for the Kogi State Government. It’s safe to say the petitioners are members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) – the party Distinguished Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan roundly defeated during the February 28, 2023 Senatorial elections.”
Chatham House Group is an intellectual organization, said that the Nigerian Constitution, under Section 69, provides a clear framework for the recall of a legislator.
It emphasised, “It’s a democratic process initiated by the constituents themselves. This process is designed to reflect the will of the people, not the agenda of any political party.”
“Again, the Nigerian Senate Chamber, as a symbol of democratic governance, is meant to uphold the principles of accountability and representation.
“The recall process should remain a tool for constituents to express their dissatisfaction, free from partisan manipulation. Sen. Natasha’s recall is political.
“Finally, we address the serious allegations of sexual harassment and legislative obstruction leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“These allegations demand a thorough and impartial investigation by the Judiciary. We mustn’t divert from the initial claims, as doing so would compromise the pursuit of justice and accountability.
“We stand firm in our call for a fair and transparent process that respects the rights of all parties involved.”
The group, however, said that they remain united in their commitment to justice, equity, egalitarianism, and “the time-honored principles that define us as Ane-Egbiras – a people who always stand strong against Oppression in its every form.” (ephemeralnews.com.ng)
