Senator Natasha insists on Sallah rally amidst Kogi gov’t’s ban, police warnings
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has declared that she will continue with her planned visit to Kogi Central for Sallah celebrations amidst the state government’s restrictions on public gatherings and order from the police to cancel the event.
She announced the decision to continue with her planned homecoming celebration few hours after Governor Usman Ododo imposed a ban on rallies and convoy movements in what many see as a desperate attempt to suppress opposition voices.
READ ALSO: Police urge Senator Natasha to cancel homecoming event in Kogi
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.
“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central will proceed as planned,” a statement from her media team read early Tuesday.
“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 fearmongering 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.
The Kogi State government, in a controversial move, had on Monday announced a sweeping ban on public gatherings, citing security concerns.
The government also restricted security convoys and suspended fishing activities, linking the decision to recent clashes that claimed two lives.
Similarly, on Tuesday morning, the Kogi State Police Command urged Senator Natasha to cancel the planned rally.
The state Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, said the rally goes against the state government’s recent ban on political gatherings, which was announced on Monday.
The police also warned against any attempts to defy the directive, saying, “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 anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the state.”
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