In defiance of the Kogi State government’s clampdown on public gatherings, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has declared that she will go ahead with her planned visit to Kogi Central for the Sallah celebrations.
This comes just hours after Governor Usman Ododo imposed a ban on rallies and convoy movements in what many see as a desperate attempt to suppress opposition voices.
Dismissing speculations that she had cancelled the visit, Akpoti-Uduaghan assured her supporters that she remains committed to engaging with her constituents despite the government’s intimidation tactics.
“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central will proceed as planned,” a statement from her media team read early Tuesday.
“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”
The senator urged her supporters to disregard fearmongering and turn out en masse to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her.
“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating with them. We assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place for a successful and joyous event,” the statement added.
The Kogi State government, in a controversial move, had on Monday announced a sweeping ban on public gatherings, citing security concerns.
The government also restricted security convoys and suspended fishing activities, linking the decision to recent clashes that claimed two lives.
However, multiple sources told SaharaReporters that the ban is a calculated attempt to block Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return, fearing the massive show of support it would attract.
Governor Ododo, widely criticised for shielding his predecessor Yahaya Bello from corruption probes, has been accused of weaponising state security to silence opposition figures.
Despite the crackdown, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters remain resolute, insisting that no amount of intimidation would stop them from welcoming their senator home.
