Despite a stern warning from the Kogi State Police Command, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, went ahead with her planned homecoming event to celebrate the Sallah festival with her constituents. The police had cited intelligence reports suggesting that hoodlums intended to hijack the event and cause unrest.
The police warning followed a broader directive by the Kogi State Government, which on Monday announced a ban on rallies and processions across the state, citing security concerns. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to comply, insisting her event was a non-political gathering intended solely for celebrating the Sallah festival with her people.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, justified the government-imposed ban, stressing the need to maintain peace in the state.
“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 Police Command has called on the organisers of the planned rally at Okene to cancel such an event in the interest of peace in Kogi State,” the statement read.
Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan went ahead with her homecoming on Tuesday, receiving a rousing welcome from her supporters. Crowds from Kogi Central’s five local government areas gathered in Ihima, Okehi LGA, to celebrate her arrival. In a dramatic display, the embattled senator landed in a white helicopter, greeted by cheers and music from enthusiastic supporters.
Addressing the crowd, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the government’s directive, stating, “Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be allowed. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time.”
She reiterated that her visit was strictly a festive celebration with her constituents and not a political rally. “We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
Her defiance comes amid political turmoil, including her recent suspension from the Senate over a sexual harassment controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She has claimed that she is facing political persecution, accusing Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello of orchestrating security threats against her.
Meanwhile, a recall process against her is reportedly underway, further intensifying the political drama surrounding her tenure.
The situation remains tense, with the Kogi State Police reiterating their stance on maintaining law and order in the state. They warned that anyone who causes a disturbance will face the full wrath of the law.
