The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has raised concerns over her safety and that of her supporters, urging Nigerians to hold Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, responsible for any outbreak of violence in Kogi.
In a post via her official Facebook account on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan assured her constituents of her commitment to a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration but warned against any potential violence.
She stated, “My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our peaceful Sallah celebrations today. However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov. Òdodo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”
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Her remarks follow a recent statement in which she reaffirmed her intention to visit her constituency despite mounting tensions. She dismissed rumors of a cancellation, encouraging her supporters to come out en masse for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Tensions have been heightened in Kogi State after the state government on Monday announced a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing security concerns.
The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the decision was made to avert any security breach in the state. He also noted that recent fishing activities in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette had resulted in the loss of two lives, necessitating stricter security measures.
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The Kogi State Police Command has also issued a warning to Akpoti-Uduaghan, advising her to cancel her planned Sallah rally. The State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, emphasized that the gathering contravenes the government’s recent ban on political assemblies.
Despite these warnings, videos circulating on social media show enthusiastic supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan, mainly women, singing and drumming in anticipation of her arrival. One of the Kogi senators, Bashir Haroon, shared a live feed of the rally, depicting a large crowd eagerly awaiting the senator’s return.
Punch