Kogi State has become the center of a growing political and security controversy as the state police command has officially warned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned homecoming rally.
The rally, which was scheduled to take place in the Central Senatorial District of Kogi State during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, has been met with strong resistance from the state authorities.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, issued the warning today through a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya. The police emphasized that the planned gathering violates a recent ban on political rallies imposed by the state government, citing security concerns.
Police Justify Rally Ban Over Security Concerns
According to the police statement, intelligence reports indicate that hoodlums may attempt to hijack the rally, posing a serious threat to public peace and security.
“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 reiterated their commitment to maintaining order, stating that any defiance of the directive would be met with legal consequences.
“Given the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State.
The Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of the law on anyone who causes a disturbance of peace and order in the state,” the statement added.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Defies Ban, Insists on Homecoming
Despite the police warning, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained defiant, insisting that her homecoming is not a political rally but a visit to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr festivities with her constituents. She has argued that the government’s stance is politically motivated and an attempt to stifle her connection with the people of Kogi Central.
In a response issued via her media team, Akpoti-Uduaghan criticized the ban, describing it as an infringement on her rights and a politically motivated attempt to suppress opposition voices in Kogi State.
“I am simply going home to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with my people. This is not a political rally, and it should not be treated as one. The attempt to stop me from visiting my home and my people during a festive period is a clear case of intimidation,” she stated.
Her insistence on proceeding with the visit has raised concerns that tensions could escalate if the police attempt to enforce the ban.
Political Undercurrents: Suppression or Genuine Security Concerns?
Political analysts and civil society groups have weighed in on the unfolding drama, with divided opinions over whether the police directive is genuinely motivated by security concerns or is a politically driven suppression effort.
A political analyst, Dr. Akin Oladipo, believes that the situation exposes the deep-seated political rivalry in Kogi State.
“The banning of political rallies just a day before a known opposition figure is set to visit her senatorial district raises questions. While security concerns are valid, there should be transparency in how these policies are applied. If security threats exist, they should be addressed through proper policing rather than outright bans,” Oladipo said.
Conversely, security expert Retired Major John Okoro argued that the police may have valid reasons for their decision.
“Given the history of political violence in Kogi State, the police are acting within their responsibility to prevent any escalation. If there is credible intelligence of possible attacks or hijacking of the event by hoodlums, it is better to err on the side of caution,” Okoro noted.
Reactions from Kogi Residents and Stakeholders
Residents of Kogi Central have expressed mixed reactions to the development. Some have voiced support for Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeing the police directive as an unfair attempt to silence her, while others believe security should take precedence over political gatherings.
A resident of Okene, Ibrahim Salisu, criticized the ban, saying, “If other politicians are allowed to hold gatherings, why should Natasha’s event be stopped? It is unfair.”
However, another resident, Aisha Mohammed, supported the police decision, stating, “I prefer peace to politics. If there is a threat of violence, it is best to stay safe.”
Possible Outcomes and Implications
With Akpoti-Uduaghan showing no signs of backing down and the police standing firm on their warning, the situation could escalate if an agreement is not reached. If the police attempt to physically prevent the event, it could lead to clashes, further worsening political tensions in Kogi State.
Observers are calling for a peaceful resolution, with some suggesting that a middle ground should be reached—perhaps allowing Akpoti-Uduaghan to visit her constituents in a controlled and secure manner without any large gathering.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on Kogi State, waiting to see whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will go ahead with her planned visit and how the police will respond.
The unfolding developments in Kogi State highlight the ongoing tensions between political figures and the state’s law enforcement agencies.
Whether this turns out to be a genuine security measure or a political maneuver remains a subject of debate.
However, one thing is certain: the outcome of this confrontation will have lasting implications on the political landscape of Kogi State and beyond.
