The Ebira Diaspora Youth Association UK chapter has raised concerns over the withdrawal of security details attached to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her controversial suspension from the Senate. The group described the move as a dangerous precedent that could expose the embattled senator to harm, calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately restore her security personnel.
In a statement made available to The Bureau Newspaper, the group’s president, Adeiza Adeiza, strongly condemned the Senate’s action, noting that it lacks the constitutional authority to order the withdrawal of a senator’s security. He emphasized that only the Inspector General of Police has such powers, and any directive by the Senate in this regard is an overreach of its legislative functions.
Speaking exclusively to The Bureau Newspaper, Adeiza expressed deep concern for Senator Natasha’s safety, stating that regardless of her suspension, she remains an elected representative of the people of Kogi Central.
“We cannot sit back and watch an elected senator be exposed to danger simply because she spoke out against injustice. The withdrawal of her security details is a direct attempt to intimidate her and silence her voice. We call on the IGP to immediately restore her security personnel and ensure she is protected,” Adeiza said.
Adeiza also urged the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large to remain vigilant and protect one another in the face of political intimidation. He likened Natasha’s ordeal to past instances where politicians faced political persecution, citing the case of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who faced investigations but did not compromise the security of his office.
“If Akpabio were truly committed to fairness, he should have stepped aside as Senate President pending the outcome of the allegations against him, just as Bukola Saraki did when he faced a similar situation,” Adeiza added.
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to generate reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the Senate’s handling of the matter. Critics argue that the withdrawal of her security is a deliberate act of political suppression aimed at weakening her influence and sending a message to dissenting voices within the Senate.
As calls for her security restoration grow, it remains to be seen how the Inspector General of Police will respond to the mounting pressure to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security details. For now, concerns over her safety continue to dominate discussions, with many insisting that justice and fairness must prevail.
