Constituents to Natasha: Focus on Ajaokuta Steel Revival You Promised, Not Yahaya Bello »

By Toafoq Okatahi

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, appears increasingly preoccupied with former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello rather than the welfare of the people she was elected to serve. Many constituents believe she has yet to fulfil her major promise, the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

It is on record that much of her political rise was built on constant criticism of Yahaya Bello’s policies, despite the fact that those policies have produced several legacy projects across Kogi State.

When Bello initiated projects such as the Ganaja Bridge, the first of its kind in the state, The establishment of two additional universities (Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and Kogi State University, Kabba) for equitable distribution of institutions, renovated and built hundreds of schools, upgraded Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja and the College of Nursing Obangede, improved the Prince Abubakar Audu Teaching Hospital and other health facilities, constructed reference hospitals, delivered the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, and built over 300 roads across the state, Natasha and her allies criticised them and claimed they would never materialise.
Today, those projects stand completed and have created employment for thousands.

The people are now more informed, and old political tactics no longer work. This may explain the recent shift to social-media narratives after some former supporters allegedly distanced themselves following the elections that brought her to the Senate.

Reports suggest that individuals who previously worked with her online later withdrew after accusing her of manipulative behaviour and being spreading falsehoods. More recently, critics claim she now relies on external image-laundering efforts to sustain attacks against Yahaya Bello but many believe the public can now distinguish between facts and propaganda.

With rumours of Bello’s political return, attention has again shifted to accusations and distractions. However, the pressing question from the people of Kogi Central remains: Where is the promised Ajaokuta Steel revival?

Many residents believe Bello improved the image of the Ebira people in Kogi State and Nigeria at large and intend to show appreciation at the polls to elect him as their senator. They also maintain that the politically motivated EFCC case against the former governor will not give Senator Natasha any advantage over Yahaya Bello’s alleged senatorial ambition in 2027, insisting that the people will reciprocate good with good not evil with evil.

Repeated celebration of EFCC matters and constant attacks, they say, only reinforce the perception that politics has taken priority over representation.

Kogi Central deserves delivery on promises not endless political battles.