Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows to Proceed with Constituency Visit amidst rally Ban by kogi state government

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reaffirmed her commitment to visiting her constituency for the Sallah celebration, despite a recent ban on rallies and public gatherings by the Kogi State Government. In a statement released by her media team on Tuesday, she urged her supporters to disregard speculations that she had canceled her scheduled visit.

The statement read: “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.”

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that her role as a senator includes engaging directly with her constituents. She encouraged them to come out in large numbers to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her, reiterating her dedication to the people of Kogi Central.

State Government’s Ban on Rallies and Gatherings

In contrast to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s plans, the Kogi State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, issued a statement on Monday banning public gatherings, including rallies, citing security concerns. According to Fanwo, intelligence reports suggested that certain groups were planning to stage violent demonstrations under the guise of political and religious events in Kogi Central.

The government’s directive also extended to banning fishing and other communal activities, following the loss of two lives in recent violent clashes in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette, all in Kogi Local Government Area. The authorities expressed concerns over possible disruptions to public peace and security in the state.

Fanwo stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring law and order, and any activities deemed a threat to security would not be tolerated.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Urges Supporters to Celebrate Peacefully

In response to the government’s security concerns, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan assured her supporters that her visit would be conducted peacefully and in strict adherence to security protocols. She encouraged residents to remain law-abiding and celebrate the festive season without fear.

“The security of Kogi Central and its people remains my top priority. I urge everyone to join me in making this Sallah celebration a peaceful and memorable one,” she said.

Her media team also reassured the public that necessary security measures were in place to prevent any disruptions during the celebrations.

Political Undercurrents and Reactions

The Kogi State Government’s decision to ban rallies has sparked speculations of political motivations, especially given the timing of the announcement just before the senator’s scheduled visit. Political analysts suggest that the move may be aimed at stifling opposition figures and restricting their interactions with the electorate.

Supporters of the senator Akpoti-Uduaghan have criticized the government’s directive, arguing that it selectively targets opposition politicians while allowing other gatherings to proceed. Some community leaders in Kogi Central have also expressed concerns over what they perceive as an attempt to suppress political engagement in the region.

“We have seen other gatherings take place without any interference. Why is it that only when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan plans to visit that such restrictions are imposed?” a local resident questioned.

Next Steps Amid Growing Tensions

With the senator determined to proceed with her visit despite the ban, all eyes are now on how the state government will respond. Security agencies in Kogi are expected to be on high alert to ensure that no violent incidents occur during the celebrations.

Meanwhile, human rights organizations and political observers are closely monitoring the situation, calling on the government to allow democratic engagement while maintaining security. As the Sallah break approaches, residents of Kogi Central remain hopeful that the festivities will proceed peacefully, reflecting the unity and resilience of the community.