Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has raised concerns over potential threats to her safety and that of her supporters as she prepares for a scheduled visit to her constituency for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
In a statement posted on her official Facebook page on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan directly named Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, and former governor Yahaya Bello, warning that they should be held accountable if any violence occurs.
“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 Ododo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible,” she stated.
Her warning follows her earlier declaration that she would proceed with her scheduled homecoming, dismissing speculations that she had canceled her visit. She reaffirmed her statutory responsibility to engage with her constituents and encouraged them to turn out en masse for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks come amid heightened security concerns in Kogi State. On Monday, the state government imposed a ban on public rallies and gatherings, citing intelligence reports of potential security threats. The government also prohibited fishing and other activities in certain communities, claiming recent incidents had led to the loss of lives in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette in Kogi West.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that the ban was a proactive measure to prevent unrest and maintain stability.
In line with the government’s directive, the Kogi State Police Command also warned Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Sallah rally. Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye emphasized that the gathering would violate the state’s newly enforced restrictions on political events.
Despite the government’s restrictions, videos circulating on social media show a large crowd of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters, primarily women, gathering in anticipation of her arrival. In a live stream shared by Kogi senator Bashir Haroon, the supporters could be seen singing and drumming as they awaited the lawmaker’s return.
© Ripples Nigeria