By Ayo Kehinde
Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reaffirmed her commitment to celebrating Sallah with her constituents despite security concerns raised by the Police Command in Kogi State.
The police had, on Tuesday, warned against a planned homecoming rally for the senator, citing intelligence reports that hoodlums might hijack the event to cause unrest.
“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause a disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying,” the police said in a statement by its spokesperson, William Aya.
The force further warned that it would not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who disturbs public order.
Governor Usman Ododo had earlier imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing security concerns.
Reacting in a statement on social media, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that her visit to her constituency for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would go ahead as planned, urging Nigerians to hold Governor Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio responsible for any violence that may occur.
“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 wrote.
She reiterated her dedication to engaging with her community, emphasising that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure a peaceful celebration.
“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to fostering 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.
“We assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a successful and joyous event. We invite all members of the community to join us in marking this special occasion,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, civil rights lawyer, Inibehe Offiong has asked Senator Akpoti- Uduaghan to defy the police and go ahead with her visit. He said the law forbids the police to ban rallies but instead to provide cover and guide protesters in ensuring peaceful conduct, adding that corruption and bad practices had so eaten into the nation’s fabric that agents of government openly flout existing laws of the land.
