Tensions Rise As Kogi Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows To Continue With Visit Despite Govt, Police Objections

Tensions are escalating in Kogi State as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains resolute in her plan to visit Kogi Central for the Sallah celebrations on Tuesday, despite a recent government ban on rallies and convoy movements across the state.

The senator dismissed rumors that she had canceled the visit, assuring her supporters that she remains committed to engaging with her constituents despite what she described as “intimidation tactics” by the state government.

“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central will proceed as planned,” her media team said in a statement released early Tuesday.

The statement further urged her supporters to disregard any fearmongering and turn out en masse to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her.

“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating with them. We assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place for a successful and joyous event,” it added.

On Monday, the Kogi State Government announced a total ban on rallies and public gatherings across the state, citing security concerns linked to intelligence reports of potential infiltrations by troublemakers.

A statement from Governor Usman Ododo’s office outlined the rationale behind the decision, warning that certain groups were planning to stage violent rallies under the guise of political and religious gatherings.

The government declared:

“Effective immediately, the state government has banned all rallies, protests, or public gatherings that could threaten peace and security. While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the government insists that security considerations must take priority.”

Additionally, Governor Ododo directed that any individual or group entering Kogi State with a convoy of security personnel must obtain clearance from the relevant security agencies before arrival.

He also instructed Local Government Chairmen to take charge of security in their areas and urged community leaders to support efforts in maintaining peace. The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), was mandated to work closely with security agencies to enforce these directives.

In a related development, the Kogi State Police Command has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Sallah visit, citing the statewide ban on political gatherings.

The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, through a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya.

The statement reads in part:

“Following intelligence reports on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, has called on the organisers of the planned rally at Okene to cancel the event in the interest of peace.”

The police further warned that intelligence suggested that certain hoodlums planned to hijack the gathering and cause public disorder, adding that the command “will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on anyone who causes a disturbance.”

Despite the government ban and police warnings, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted that she will go ahead with her “homecoming”, stressing that she is merely returning to celebrate Sallah with her constituents and not organizing a political rally.