Nigerian Police Warn Senator Natasha, Call For Cancellation Of Kogi Homecoming Event
The Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, acting on the dictate of Governor Usman Ododo-led Kogi State government, has banned a planned homecoming rally for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The decision has sparked outrage among her supporters, who view the move as politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, the police justified the ban, stating that intelligence reports had uncovered plans by hoodlums to hijack the event and cause unrest.
“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 the planned rally at Okene to cancel such an event in the interest of peace in Kogi State,” the statement read.
The police further emphasised that they would not allow any activities that could disrupt the prevailing peace in the state.
The statement added, “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 jeopardise 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.”
While the police maintain that the decision is purely for security reasons, critics argue that the move is an abuse of power designed to stifle opposition voices.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent figure in Kogi State politics, has often clashed with the state government and ruling party officials over governance issues.
Supporters of the senator have condemned the ban, accusing the government of using security agencies to suppress legitimate political activities.
Many have taken to social media to express their displeasure, demanding the reversal of the decision.
Political analysts are of the opinion that the development may heighten tensions ahead of the next election cycle in Kogi State.
The opposition has called for an independent review of the security threat claims, urging the federal government to intervene and ensure fairness in the state’s political landscape.
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her next course of action, as well as the response of the state government and security agencies to the growing public outcry.