By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The people of Kogi Central have strongly opposed the recent legal action taken by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the district in the Senate.

The embattled senator secured a court injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving or acting on a petition seeking her recall.

However, constituents see this move as an indication that she acknowledges her inevitable removal from office.

Representatives from the district’s five local government areas argue that when a leader’s intentions are not genuine, errors become unavoidable. According to them, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to challenge the recall process exposes flaws in her own actions, even in the way she structured her court filing.

In a statement released by the Kogi Central Renaissance Assembly (KCRA) on Friday, the constituents accused the senator of resorting to legal means out of desperation. They criticised her for dismissing the recall signatures as fake while simultaneously requesting the court to stop INEC from verifying them.

“It is absurd that someone who claims the recall process is fraudulent is now trying to prevent INEC from determining the authenticity of the signatures,” the statement read.

“We understand your situation. This is a last-minute attempt to avoid the embarrassment of being recalled. But we, the people of Kogi Central, believe you have already brought shame upon yourself and our district. The courts belong to everyone, but you cannot force yourself upon us. This legal manoeuvre is destined to fail,” the statement, signed by KCRA Coordinator Adeku Joshua and Secretary Maleek Sule, declared.

They argue that their efforts are not just about one individual but about restoring the district’s reputation.

“We, the Ebira people, do not support blackmail or reckless behaviour. We stand by this recall and will see it through. The world must understand that we are a community built on integrity. Enough of bringing embarrassment to Nigeria with baseless accusations,” they asserted.

Kenyan Senator Crystal Asige has called on Nigeria to amend its constitution to ensure parliamentary representation for people with disabilities (PWDs), arguing that only those who experience such challenges firsthand can effectively advocate for their rights.

Speaking ahead of Haske Satumari Foundation Annual Colloquium 2025 taking place this Saturday, Asige emphasised the importance of inclusive governance.

The event, is scheduled to be held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the Senator honoured philanthropist Kudla Satumari Haske for his contributions to social development.

With the theme, “Promoting Social Change and Development through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice”, the colloquium would be chaired by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, with Asige delivering the keynote address.

Other notable speakers included Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, BudgIT CEO Oluseun Onigbinde, and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who would served as the chief host.

Asige, who holds one of Kenya’s designated Senate seats for PWDs, argued that representation in legislative bodies is crucial for meaningful advocacy.

“In the past, we have had non-disabled parliamentarians speaking on our issues, trying to legislate for us, but they are not persons with disabilities,” she said.

“I could not stand here and say I am going to solve the problems of men in Africa—I am not a man. The person wearing the shoe should be the one feeling the pain.”

Citing statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), Asige highlighted that approximately 15 percent of any country’s population lives with disabilities.

In Nigeria, with an estimated 230 million people, this equates to over 15 million individuals are people with disabilities whose voices are not heard in the parliament.

“If 15 million people with disabilities have the right to vote, shouldn’t they also have representation in Parliament? That is a significant voting bloc,” she said.

She explained that Kenya’s constitution mandates the inclusion of both male and female representatives for PWDs in the Senate, staying that Nigeria can also have such representation if the constitution is amended.

“My counterpart, from the ruling party, is a gentleman with clubfoot. This is something every parliament and jurisdiction should move towards,” she said.

Asige urged Nigerian lawmakers to consider constitutional amendments or alternative legislative measures to improve disability representation.

“In Kenya, constitutional amendments require a referendum. However, we have subsidiary laws such as the Persons with Disabilities Bill, which I am currently sponsoring. Perhaps Nigeria could explore similar reforms through its own disability or political party laws,” she suggested.

She also emphasised the political and economic implications of exclusion, arguing that ignoring the disability community means leaving millions of votes on the table.

“You cannot ignore such a huge minority group. Politicians who focus on this constituency stand to gain significantly,” she added.

Addressing issues of gender equity, Asige expressed support for Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has alleged sexual harassment.

“I think more people should stand behind her, especially because there is merit to the case she has presented,” Asige said.

“The fight for greater political space and equity, despite the harassment faced by women like Senator Natasha, must continue.”

Beyond governance, Asige underscored the economic importance of diversity and inclusion.

“Exclusion costs Africa billions. Statistics show that the Global South loses up to 10 percent of its annual GDP due to lack of inclusion,” she stated.

“This affects sectors like transport, healthcare, education, and employment. The more non-inclusive we are, the more we lose,” she added.

Nigeria is set to host its first-ever national charity ball, the Renewed Hope Charity Ball for Migrants, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons, aimed at raising N150 billion to support displaced persons across the country.

The event, a collaboration between the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and Imaginative Ceilings Limited, seeks to merge philanthropy with social impact, rallying high-profile individuals, corporate leaders, and government officials for an evening dedicated to fundraising and advocacy.

Scheduled to take place between August and September, the charity ball aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which prioritizes social welfare and economic empowerment for vulnerable groups.

According to a proposal submitted by Imaginative Ceilings Limited, the event will be hosted by NCFRMI and chaired by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside First Ladies from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

CEO of Imaginative Ceilings Limited, Festus Ofume, described the charity ball as a groundbreaking philanthropic effort.

> “This charity ball is not just a social event but a movement to mobilize resources for healthcare, education, skills development, and economic empowerment programs for refugees and IDPs,” Ofume stated.

Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Hon. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting displaced persons through sustainable interventions.

> “This initiative represents a bold step towards transforming the lives of refugees and internally displaced persons. It is not just about raising funds but ensuring that these funds translate into tangible, life-changing programs.

> “We are grateful for the collaboration with Imaginative Ceilings Limited and the support of stakeholders who believe in this cause,” Ahmed said.

Others at the meeting included: Director of Procurement, Bara Fumilayo, Director of Audit/Sports Manager, John Dama, Director of Legal Services,
Habibu Labaran, Director of IDP,
Fatima Daura, Director of HRM,
Bello Bello, and SA to the HFC
Hon. Bashir.

The initiative is expected to attract top business executives, policymakers, and celebrities, all dedicated to supporting displaced persons through financial contributions and advocacy.

Funds raised from the event will be channeled into long-term humanitarian projects, ensuring sustainable interventions for affected communities.

With no similar event in Nigeria’s philanthropic landscape, the Renewed Hope Charity Ball aims to set a new precedent for fundraising, leveraging entertainment, networking, and grassroots engagement to drive social change.

As preparations gain momentum, organizers remain optimistic that the initiative will secure substantial financial and policy support, creating lasting impact for migrants, refugees, and IDPs across Nigeria.