As suspended Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan gears up for a highly anticipated return to her constituency for the Sallah break amid heightened tension, the police have urged her to cancel her planned Sallah rally in the Kogi State’s Central Senatorial District.
The warning comes amid controversy surrounding her suspension from the Senate, which has been marred by allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio, who denies the claims.
Akpabio had earlier apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan for his comments during a plenary session.
ASP William Aya, the Police Public Relations Officer for Kogi State Command, said on Tuesday that Police Commissioner Miller Dantawaye called for the cancellation due to security concerns and a ban on rallies and public gatherings in the state.
The statement reads: “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.”
The police further warned that any attempts to defy the directive would be met with consequences.
The statement also said: “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.”
The police reaction appears to be in response to a statement released by the lawmaker’s media team earlier on Tuesday, in which she declared her intention to proceed with her plan despite potential security concerns.
The senator urged her supporters to disregard speculation that she has canceled her scheduled visit, assuring them that it will proceed as planned.
The statement reads: “We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District will proceed as planned.
“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.
“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation.
“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government had on March 31, 2025, announced a ban on rallies and public gatherings in the state over security reports.
The government also suspended fishing and other activities in the area, citing the tragic loss of two lives in recent incidents in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette communities within the Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi West.
Kingsley Fanwo, the State’s Commissioner for Information, announced on Monday that the decision was aimed at preventing any security breaches that could destabilize the state.
According to Fanwo, intelligence reports revealed that certain individuals were plotting to orchestrate violent rallies in Kogi Central, disguising them as political and religious protests.
Persecondnews had reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Kogi-born senator, has been embroiled in a heated battle with the Senate President Godswill and Akpabio, sparked by a dispute over her seat allocation in the Senate chamber, which has since escalated into allegations of sexual harassment and defamation.
The whole issue had triggered her suspension for six months by the Senate.
During this period, she and her aides will not receive salaries and allowances and should not be seen near the National Assembly.
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