The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Monday, defied security restrictions imposed by the Kogi State government as she returned to her constituency, staging a massive rally that shut down commercial activities across the senatorial district.
Despite a ban on public gatherings and rallies by the state government due to alleged security threats, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived in Okehi Local Government Area via helicopter, where she was greeted by a jubilant crowd. The rally went ahead despite a curfew declared by the council chairman and warnings from the Kogi State Police Command.
The Kogi State government had earlier banned all political gatherings, citing intelligence reports indicating potential threats to public peace. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, urged the senator’s team to cancel the planned Eid-el-Fitr celebration rally.
“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying,” the statement read.
Similarly, the chairman of Okehi LGA, Amoka Monday, declared an immediate curfew across the council area, restricting movement and gatherings in designated zones. He emphasized that anyone found violating the order would be arrested and prosecuted.
“Nobody Can Stop Me from Coming Home” — Akpoti-Uduaghan
Undeterred by the restrictions, Akpoti-Uduaghan addressed her supporters in the Ebira language, asserting her right to visit her hometown.
“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira person; this is my land. I know my roots; I’m not afraid of anybody,” she said.
She further alleged that any violence resulting from the event should be blamed on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing them of being behind moves to disrupt her homecoming.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias in processing her recall from the Senate. She alleged that INEC had guided petitioners on how to perfect their documents after initial lapses, including submitting a petition with a non-existent address and an unregistered association name.
“The CAC report came negative, that the association is not registered. I’m still waiting and wondering why INEC has not yet made a statement to that effect,” she stated.
Reacting to the rally, the Kogi State government condemned the senator’s actions, accusing her of deliberately inciting chaos. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, described her visit as a calculated attempt to disrupt public peace.
“Her statement exposed her plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central senatorial district. We will not allow any part of the state to go up in flames,” Fanwo stated.
He further accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of consistently engaging in political theatrics to manipulate public perception and warned that the government would not tolerate actions that jeopardize public safety.
The rally has sparked heated debates among residents and political observers, with many questioning the timing and motive behind the senator’s defiance of state directives. While her supporters celebrated her return, critics argued that her actions could provoke unnecessary unrest in the region.
Security agencies have been urged to remain vigilant to maintain peace in the area, while the government reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
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