The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reaffirmed her plans to visit her constituency for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations despite ban on public gathering.
On Monday, the state government announced a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing “credible security reports”.
In a statement, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information, said the measure was taken to avert any security threats that could destabilise the state.
However, reacting to the ban on public gathering, the senator’s media team dismissed speculation about a possible cancellation of the visit.
The team clarified that her office had made no such announcement and urged the public to disregard the rumours.
“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central senatorial district will proceed as planned,” the statement reads.
“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to engaging with her constituents and promoting unity within the senatorial district.
“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation,” the statement noted.
“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.”
The senator’s team also assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and joyous celebration.
“We would like to assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a successful and joyous event. We invite all members of the community to join us in marking this special occasion,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the police have warned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in the Kogi Central Senatorial district or be ready to face the full wrath of law.
The State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye gave the warning on Tuesday after Natasha vowed to go ahead with her planned rally.
The Kogi CP stated that the rally is against the proclamation on ban on political gathering by the state government.
CP Dantawaye said: “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of Rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State.
“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.
“In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State. As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on any one who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.”
