The Kogi State Government has raised alarm over the recent homecoming rally held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central District, despite an existing ban on political gatherings in the state. The state government has now called on security agencies to hold the lawmaker responsible should any violence erupt in the region following the controversial rally.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s Commissioner for Information, sharply criticized the female senator for allegedly violating a state-issued ban on political events. He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to incite violence and create unrest in the state, which has experienced its fair share of political tensions in recent times.
Fanwo accused the lawmaker of disregarding the safety and stability of Kogi State by holding the rally, claiming that she had “plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central Senatorial District.” He also emphasized that her actions were a blatant attempt to incite chaos in a state that has worked hard to maintain peace, especially in light of the security concerns that have plagued many parts of the country.
The Commissioner further noted that the rally, which took place in Ihima, a community within the Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, was held in direct defiance of Governor Usman Ododo’s administration’s ban on all political rallies and gatherings. The ban had been put in place with the aim of ensuring security and maintaining order in the state, particularly as the country prepares for the 2023 general elections.
“She should be held accountable for her blatant attempts to incite violence and cause unnecessary tension,” Fanwo said, underscoring the gravity of the situation. He added that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions were an affront to the law and that the state government would not tolerate such blatant disregard for the peace and well-being of the people.
Despite the official ban, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rally went ahead, drawing large crowds of supporters from the five local government areas in the Kogi Central Senatorial District that she represents. The senator received a warm and rousing welcome from the people of Ihima, where the rally was held. By 8 a.m. on the day of the event, her supporters from all parts of the district had gathered in the community, eager to celebrate their representative’s visit.
The rally was characterized by a lively atmosphere, with local musicians entertaining the crowd while they awaited the arrival of their leader. The excitement reached a fever pitch when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the rally site in a white helicopter, drawing loud cheers and applause from her jubilant supporters. The senator’s entrance by air only added to the spectacle, as it became clear that the rally was intended to be a significant political event in the region.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the event quickly became a point of contention, as the state government moved to distance itself from what it perceived as an illegal and potentially dangerous gathering. The situation took a more serious turn as Fanwo called for a thorough investigation into the rally, insisting that any subsequent disturbances should be traced directly to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions.
For her part, Akpoti-Uduaghan has defended the rally, arguing that it was a peaceful event aimed at reconnecting with her constituents and celebrating the support of the people. However, her critics, including state officials and political rivals, have raised concerns that such gatherings could lead to violence, especially given the current state of security in Nigeria.
The Kogi State government’s decision to report the senator to security agencies has only escalated tensions in the region. Some residents view the government’s actions as politically motivated, while others believe the security concerns are valid given the history of violence that has accompanied political rallies in other parts of the country.
Kogi State, like many other states in Nigeria, has witnessed sporadic outbreaks of violence tied to political competition, with tensions running high as the 2023 elections draw nearer. There are fears that this latest incident could fuel further divisions within the state and add to the already volatile political climate.
The situation also raises important questions about the role of political leaders in promoting peaceful engagement with their constituencies. While rallies and homecoming events are common in Nigerian politics, it is clear that such events, particularly in times of political instability, require careful management to avoid exacerbating existing tensions.
For now, the focus remains on how security agencies will handle the situation. With accusations of incitement and the potential for violence, the state’s security forces are under pressure to ensure that peace is maintained and that any individuals found culpable of violating the law are held accountable.
In the coming days, many will be watching closely to see how this political dispute unfolds and whether further rallies or political actions will take place in Kogi State. Whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rally will have lasting repercussions remains to be seen, but the Kogi State Government has made it clear that it will take a firm stance against any actions that threaten the peace and stability of the state.
The senator, on her part, will likely continue to defend her actions as part of her constitutional right to engage with her supporters. However, her actions have certainly drawn a sharp line in the sand, with her political future in Kogi State now at the mercy of the state government and the ongoing security concerns that continue to plague the region.
