Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has raised an alarm over potential attacks on her and her supporters, urging Nigerians to hold key political figures accountable if any violence occurs during her planned homecoming rally.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the embattled senator warned that should any violence befall her or her supporters, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, his predecessor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible. She said, “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.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statement came after she reaffirmed her intent to go ahead with her planned visit to her constituency during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, despite growing concerns over security. The senator also made it clear that reports suggesting she had cancelled her visit were false, urging her supporters to disregard such speculations and attend the rally in large numbers.
While addressing the upcoming celebration, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized her role as a lawmaker, stating that she has a statutory function to fulfill as the representative of her people. She encouraged her supporters to come out and join her in celebrating the Sallah festivities.
The senator’s rally comes amid heightened security concerns in Kogi State. On Monday, the Kogi State Government announced a ban on all rallies and public gatherings following security reports of potential disturbances. The state government also prohibited fishing activities, citing recent violence in Kogi Local Government Area, which had led to fatalities.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, defended the government’s move, explaining that the ban was implemented to prevent any further unrest that could destabilize the state.
In addition, the Kogi State Police Command has also urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned rally, with Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye reiterating that the gathering violates the state’s ban on political activities. He warned that any attempt to proceed with the rally could lead to a breach of public order.
Despite the warnings, videos of the rally have surfaced on social media, showing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters, mostly women, singing and drumming in anticipation of her return. The event has already garnered significant attention, with one of the Kogi senators, Bashir Haroon, sharing a live feed of the gathering, which displayed hundreds of excited supporters.
As tensions mount, all eyes are on how the situation will unfold, with both the state government and the police intensifying their efforts to maintain peace during the festivities.
