The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised serious concerns about the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha of Kogi State, calling it politically motivated and potentially fraudulent.
In a statement signed by CHRICED Executive Director Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation questioned the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) abrupt reversal of its earlier position on the recall petition, which it had initially dismissed due to procedural irregularities.
“INEC, which initially dismissed the recall petition due to inconsistencies and non-compliance with constitutional stipulations, has altered its position within a mere three days,” the statement noted. “This abrupt change raises significant concerns regarding INEC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
The rights group highlighted an alleged conflict of interest in the recall process, pointing to connections between key figures. Though details were limited in the available document, CHRICED suggested that the appointment of an individual to Governor Ahmed Musa Ododo’s administration in Kogi State may explain what they described as “the apparent vested interest of INEC in this situation.”
Allegations of Deception
CHRICED claimed that many constituents were misled into signing the recall petition, believing they supported a state government empowerment initiative rather than calling for their senator’s removal.
“Many constituents of Senator Natasha were deceived into signing the recall petition under the false impression that they were signing an empowerment initiative launched by the Kogi State Government,” the statement read.
The organisation called for a thorough investigation into these allegations and demanded accountability for those responsible for such deceptive practices.
Legal Confusion
The statement also noted inconsistencies in the legal proceedings surrounding the recall attempt, stating that “a Kogi State High Court initially issued an order stopping the recall process but later reversed its decision under questionable circumstances.”
CHRICED emphasised that according to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution, a senator can only be recalled through a specific process requiring signatures from more than half of registered voters in the constituency, followed by INEC verification and a referendum.
Call for Transparency
The human rights organisation urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive review of the recall petition and withdraw the recall notice if any irregularities were found. If the process continues, CHRICED demanded that it be carried out with “utmost neutrality, professionalism, and transparency,” with monitoring by civil society organisations and media.
“INEC must acknowledge that its activities, including this recall process, are financed by taxpayer funds,” the statement read. “Any misuse of public resources for politically motivated purposes not only jeopardises the interests of the Nigerian people but also contravenes the fundamental principles of democratic governance.”
Sexual Harassment Allegations
In a related development, CHRICED called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down pending an investigation into sexual harassment allegations made against him. The organisation suggested that the recall effort against Senator Natasha might be a diversionary tactic.
“No amount of diversion, including the recall of Natasha, can diminish the gravity of the sexual harassment claims against him,” the statement asserted. “It is on record that Godswill Akpabio has a concerning history of alleged sexual harassment towards women.”
Political Context
The recall process comes amid growing tensions in Kogi State politics. Senator Natasha, known for her vocal stance on various issues, appears to have become embroiled in a complex political dispute that has now drawn the attention of civil society organisations.
CHRICED urged “all conscientious Nigerians, civil society organisations, and advocates for human rights to speak out against this injustice,” framing the issue as not merely a local political matter but one with implications for Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The organisation pledged to continue its advocacy “until Senator Natasha, along with other victimized women, receives the justice they rightfully deserve.”
As of press time, neither INEC nor Senate President Akpabio had responded to the allegations contained in the CHRICED statement.
The Senate President’s office has previously denied all allegations of sexual harassment, describing them as politically motivated attempts to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation.
The case continues to highlight tensions between political accountability, electoral processes, and allegations of gender-based misconduct in Nigeria’s political sphere.
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