Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has confirmed that she will go ahead with her Sallah visit to Kogi Central, despite the state government’s ban on rallies and public gatherings. The senator urged her supporters to ignore speculation that she had canceled the trip, assuring them that all preparations were in place for a successful homecoming.
In a statement released by her media team on Tuesday morning, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.
“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,” the statement read.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, emphasized that she has a duty to engage with her people. She encouraged them to come out in large numbers and join her in celebrating the festival.
“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,” the statement added.
Her decision to proceed with the visit comes just hours after the Kogi State Government imposed a ban on rallies and large gatherings, citing security concerns.
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Kogi Government Justifies Ban on Public Gatherings
The Kogi State Government had on Monday announced a ban on all rallies, public gatherings, and even fishing activities in certain areas due to recent security threats. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the move was necessary to prevent unrest, particularly in Kogi Central, where intelligence reports suggested some individuals were planning to use political and religious gatherings to incite violence.
“The state government is acting on credible intelligence reports which indicate that some persons are planning to stage violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations. This decision is aimed at ensuring peace and security in the state,” Fanwo said.
The government also linked the decision to recent violence in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette in Kogi West, where two people reportedly lost their lives.
Tension Rises as Natasha Stands Her Ground
Despite the government’s warning and the police directive asking her to cancel the visit, Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained firm in her decision to return home for Sallah. Her insistence on holding the gathering has raised concerns over potential confrontations between her supporters and security agencies.
Observers believe the situation could escalate if the state government moves to enforce the ban while her supporters attempt to welcome her in large numbers. With tensions rising, all eyes are now on Kogi Central to see how events will unfold in the coming days.