There are concerns of possible breakdown of law and order in Kogi State as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has declared that she will go ahead with her planned visit to Kogi Central for the Sallah celebrations today.
The Nigerian Police Force has already asked her to cancel the visit citing security threats.
Dismissing speculations that she had cancelled the visit, Akpoti-Uduaghan assured her supporters that she remains committed to engaging with her constituents despite the government’s intimidation tactics.
Recall that Governor Usman Ododo imposed an indefinite ban on rallies and convoy movements to halt her supporters from welcoming and celebrating sallah with her.
Also, the State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, advised the suspended senator to cancel the sallah visit.
Dantawaye stated that the rally is a breach of the proclamation on the ban on political gatherings by the state government issued on Monday.
He 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.
But Natasha said there was no going back in visiting her constituency today.
In a statement by her media office early Tuesday, she said, “We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central will proceed as planned. Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”
The senator urged her supporters to disregard fear mongering and turn out en masse to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her.
“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating with them. We assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place for a successful and joyous event,” the statement added.
SentinelNG
