Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Insists On Kogi Central Visit For Eid-El-Fitr

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reaffirmed her commitment to visiting Kogi Central for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, despite a ban on rallies and public gatherings imposed by the Kogi State Government.

The senator, currently under suspension by the Senate following a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, had earlier announced her plans to celebrate the festive occasion with her constituents. However, on Monday, March 31, the state government declared a ban on such gatherings, citing "credible security reports."

In an official statement, State Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo noted that while Kogi had experienced a peaceful Sallah celebration, emerging security threats posed a risk to public order.

According to Fanwo, intelligence reports suggest that certain individuals are planning to "stage violent rallies under the guise of political and religious agitations" in Kogi Central. To counter this, the government has mandated that any individual entering Kogi with a security convoy must first "obtain prior clearance from the state commands of the deploying services."

Government’s Stand on Security Threats

"In Kogi Central, intelligence at our disposal indicates that some elements are orchestrating violent demonstrations under the pretense of political and religious movements. This poses a serious threat to peace and security in the state.

To prevent a breakdown of law and order, the Kogi State Government has imposed a total ban on all rallies and public gatherings that could disrupt public peace, effective immediately.

This decision follows credible intelligence suggesting that certain individuals plan to infiltrate the state under the guise of organizing rallies, employing fake security personnel to incite unrest. While the government respects citizens' constitutional rights to assembly and free expression, public safety remains paramount.

Therefore, no individual, group, or organization is permitted to hold any form of rally within the state until further notice."

Senator Natasha Stands Her Ground

Despite the ban, Senator Natasha's media team has dismissed any speculation about canceling her visit, insisting that it will proceed as planned.

"We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central senatorial district will go ahead as scheduled. Contrary to online rumors, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit."

As tensions rise over the government’s restrictions, all eyes are now on Senator Natasha’s next move and the state’s response to her planned visit.