Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has reaffirmed her commitment to visiting her constituency for the Sallah celebrations, dismissing speculations about a cancellation.
In a statement released by her media team early Tuesday, the senator urged her supporters to disregard the circulating rumors, assuring them that the visit remains on schedule.
“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District will proceed as planned. Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit,” the statement read.
Reiterating her dedication to her constituents, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the significance of her presence during the festivities, encouraging supporters to turn out in large numbers.
The senator’s team assured the public that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure a successful and peaceful event, inviting all community members to join in the celebrations.
Her confirmation comes just hours after the Kogi State Government imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing security concerns. The decision followed violent incidents that led to the loss of two lives in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette, all within Kogi Local Government Area in Kogi West.
In a statement issued on Monday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, warned that intelligence reports suggested plans to stage violent rallies under the guise of political and religious movements in Kogi Central.
“The move is aimed at preventing any form of security breach that might destabilise the state,” Fanwo stated.
Despite these restrictions, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted on the political engagement with her people, a move likely to draw a crowd, even as she emphasizes that her visit is a crucial part of her legislative duty to her constituents.
The senator is currently serving out a six-month suspension from the Senate after the penalty was slammed on her, following her allegations of sexual assault against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
© Ripples Nigeria