Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has announced plans to go ahead with her visit to Kogi central for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations despite a ban on rallies and gatherings by the Kogi state government.
Senator Natasha who is currently under suspension by the Senate over her clash with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had announced plans to visit members of her constituency to celebrate the Eid with them. However, on Monday, March 31, the state government announced a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing “credible security reports”.
In a statement released, the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said Kogi has witnessed a peaceful Sallah celebration, but some security threats are threatening the peace of the state
He added that the intelligence reports indicate that some persons are planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central. The commissioner noted that the state government has directed that any individual entering Kogi with a convoy of security personnel must “obtain prior clearance from state commands of the deploying services”.
“In Kogi Central, intelligence at our disposal points to the fact that some elements are planning to stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations.
This is to create a platform for wanton destruction and breakdown of law and order. These flashes of disturbances are raising tension in the state and threatening to breach public peace and security.
In view of this, and effective immediately, the Kogi State Government has placed a total ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace.
This decision has been necessitated by intelligence reports indicating that certain individuals are plotting to infiltrate the state under the guise of organizing rallies, using fake security personnel to foment trouble and compromise the security of law-abiding citizens of our dear state.
While the government recognizes the constitutional rights of citizens to gather and express themselves, security considerations must take precedence in the interest of public safety.
As such, no individual, group, or organization is permitted to hold any form of rally within the state until further notice.”
Reacting to this development, Natasha's media team in a statement released, dismissed speculation about a possible cancellation of the visit, insisting that it will go ahead as planned.
“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.”
