Lokoja — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, defied security restrictions ahead of her homecoming rally, effectively halting commercial and other activities in the senatorial district.
Despite arriving via helicopter to a warm welcome from supporters in Okehi Local Government Area, her return coincided with a government-imposed ban on public gatherings, citing alleged security concerns. The Kogi State Police had urged her to call off a planned Eid-el-Fitr celebration rally, with the Commissioner of Police stating that the event violated the recent ban on political gatherings enacted by the state government.
The Kogi State Police Command urged organizers of a planned rally in Okene to cancel the event due to security threats highlighted in an intelligence report and the government’s ban on rallies. They cited concerns that hoodlums might attempt to disrupt the gathering and emphasized the importance of maintaining the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
The police stated that to prevent any potential disruption of law and order, the event should be called off. They also warned that anyone who jeopardizes peace and order would face severe legal consequences.
Despite speculation about a potential cancellation, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media team confirmed that her visit would proceed as planned. Concurrently, Okehi Local Government Area Chairman Amoka Monday announced a curfew across the area, effective immediately, which restricts movement and gatherings in designated regions.
Amoka stated that anyone found loitering or assembling in these restricted zones without proper clearance would face arrest and prosecution, emphasizing that the decision was made as a “proactive measure” to ensure the safety and security of the community.
Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted, “Nobody can stop me from coming home.” Prior to her return, she warned that any violence during the event should be attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello, urging her supporters to hold them accountable. In a Facebook post, she expressed optimism about peaceful celebrations but cautioned against potential violence.
Despite security concerns and government restrictions, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return was celebrated with large gatherings of supporters welcoming her to her hometown. Speaking in Ebira language, she declared her deep roots in the community, stating, “Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home,” and emphasizing her identity and heritage.
During her address, Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias regarding her recall from the Senate. She alleged that INEC was assisting petitioners in perfecting their claims against her, pointing out that initial documents lacked proper information, prompting INEC to help the petitioners correct their submissions.
She raised concerns about the legitimacy of the Kogi Central Political Frontier, the group sponsoring her recall, claiming that a check revealed it to be unregistered. Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why INEC had not verified this address or addressed the issue publicly. She expressed concern over the integrity of the recall process, stating, “Are we in a kangaroo country?” and affirmed her belief that if verification of the 250,000 signatures for her recall happens, she trusts the truth will prevail.
In response to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent visit, the Kogi State government accused her of inciting chaos within the state. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, criticized her for making “reckless, malicious, and utterly false” allegations on her Facebook page, where she claimed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible for her safety.
The government alleged that her statements were an attempt to mislead the public, incite unrest, and portray herself as a victim after violating a ban on political gatherings imposed to maintain order. They asserted that her actions were aimed at stirring trouble in the Kogi Central senatorial district and confirmed the government’s security reports about potential disturbances linked to her visit.
Fanwo emphasized that Governor Ododo is not interested in the senator’s “political theatrics,” labeling her allegations as feeble attempts to create controversy while showing a blatant disregard for the law. He characterized her behavior as lawless and a security threat, noting that her defiance of the state’s directives for peace only served to jeopardize the safety of the community.
The Kogi State government accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of playing the victim and making unfounded accusations against respected state and national leaders when faced with the repercussions of her actions. They urged the public to see through her deceptive tactics and reject her manipulative behavior, asserting that she is not a victim but a instigator of chaos who spreads falsehoods for sympathy.
The government emphasized its commitment to law and order, stating they will not be intimidated by a politician whose career is based on dishonesty. They attributed the rising tensions and potential violence in Kogi Central to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s failure to comply with government directives and cooperate with security agencies.
They made it clear that while the security of all citizens, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, is a priority, the government will not tolerate anyone provoking crises and then feigning victimhood. They called on security agencies to monitor her inflammatory speech and actions, holding her accountable for any attempts to incite violence and create unnecessary unrest.