Kogi Govt Reports Senator Natasha To Police After Defying Ban

Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Gov Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reported the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to security agencies for violating the ban on rallies during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The Kogi Central senator defied a curfew imposed by Okehi Local Government Chairman, Amoka, and addressed a rally in her hometown, Ihima, upon returning from a one-month trip abroad.

Amoka stated that the curfew was aimed at maintaining peace and order, following a ban on all political rallies and unregulated public gatherings within the LGA. The Kogi State Police Command also issued warnings against rallies and processions.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, emphasized in a statement that the decision was made to prevent potential violence.

The statement reads: “Following intelligence reports on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rallies and processions by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command, calls on the organizers of the planned rally in Okene to cancel the event in the interest of peace.

“The call for cancellation becomes necessary as intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the event and cause a disturbance. The command cannot afford to jeopardize the peace currently enjoyed in the state.

“In view of the security threat, the Kogi State Police Command advises the organizers to cancel the event to avoid any breakdown of law and order.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate last month for six months due to what her colleagues described as unruly behavior during plenary. She had protested the change of her Senate seat and accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of s3xual harassment.

Last week, a section of her constituents submitted a recall petition against her to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Arriving in a chopper, Akpoti-Uduaghan was welcomed by a crowd of supporters in Okehi Local Government Area. Rejecting the restriction order, she addressed her constituents in Ebira, declaring that no one could intimidate her.

“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira person; this is my home. I am the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” she stated.

Ahead of her visit, the senator warned that any violence during the event should be blamed on Akpabio, Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello.

On Facebook, she wrote: “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.”

Kogi State Government criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, labeling them as incitement capable of endangering residents.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, accused the senator of blackmailing the government.

He said: “Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently demonstrated a pattern of lawlessness, using lies and deceit as her political tools.

“The recent disturbances in Kogi State, orchestrated by her defiance of the state’s security directives, confirm her status as a security threat.

“She deliberately violated the state’s ban on political gatherings, which was enforced to prevent security breaches and maintain peace. Instead of obeying the law, she incited chaos, disregarding the safety and stability of the state. When confronted with the consequences of her actions, she resorted to playing the victim and fabricating baseless accusations against respected leaders.

“The people of Kogi State and Nigerians should see through her deceptive tactics and reject her attempt to manipulate public perception with lies. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not a victim; she is an instigator of disorder who thrives on spreading falsehoods to gain public sympathy.

“We call on security agencies to take note of her reckless utterances and inflammatory actions that pose a serious threat to peace in the state. She should be held accountable for her blatant attempts to incite violence and create unnecessary tension.”