Police Warn Senator Natasha Against Defying Kogi Rally Ban

The Kogi State Police Command has advised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in the Central Senatorial District, citing security concerns and a recent government directive.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, through the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, emphasized that the rally contravenes a statewide ban on political gatherings imposed by the state government on Monday.

"Following intelligence reports on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rallies and processions by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, has urged the organisers of the planned rally in Okene to cancel the event in the interest of public peace," the statement read.

The police warned that intelligence reports indicate that hoodlums might hijack the event, leading to a possible breakdown of law and order. "The call for cancellation is necessary as intelligence reveals that some elements intend to exploit the rally to cause unrest. The Command is committed to maintaining the existing peace and will not allow any activity that could jeopardize it," the statement added.

The police further cautioned against defying the directive, stating, "Given the security threats associated with the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command advises the organisers to cancel the event to prevent any disruption of peace. The Command will not hesitate to enforce the full weight of the law against anyone found instigating unrest."

Despite the ban on political gatherings, Senator Akpoti-Uduagan remains resolute, insisting she will proceed with her "homecoming." She maintains that her visit is not a political rally but a return to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.