Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central, has urged Nigerians to hold Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, and former Governor Yahaya Bello responsible if she or her supporters are attacked.
Natasha made the statement on Tuesday via her official Facebook page, cautioning against potential violence during her scheduled visit to her constituency for the Eid-el-Fitr break.
“My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our peaceful Sallah celebrations today. However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Òdodo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible,” she stated.
Read also: Natasha Akpoti to proceed with Sallah visit despite Kogi government’s security ban
Her statement comes after she reaffirmed her decision to proceed with the visit to her constituency for the Eid-el-Fitr break, during which she plans to hold a rally despite a state-imposed ban on public gatherings. She dismissed speculation that she had canceled the visit and urged her supporters to join her in celebrating the festival.
On Monday, the Kogi State Government banned rallies and public gatherings, citing security concerns. The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that the decision was necessary to prevent potential violence, referencing recent clashes that led to the deaths of two individuals in parts of Kogi West.
In line with the directive, the Kogi State Police Command also warned Akpoti-Uduaghan against proceeding with her planned rally, with Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye emphasizing that any political gathering would violate the newly enforced restriction.
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However, the embattled senator dismissed speculations that she had canceled her visit, urging her supporters to turn out in large numbers for the celebrations.
Despite the warnings, videos of the rally surfaced on social media, showing a large crowd—predominantly women—singing and drumming in anticipation of her arrival, suggesting that the rally may proceed despite the government’s warnings.
Kogi Senator Bashir Haroon also shared a live feed showing the anticipation of supporters gathering for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming event.
