The Kogi State Police have warned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in the Central Senatorial District, citing security risks and a recent ban on political gatherings.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, issued the directive in a statement on Tuesday, following intelligence reports of potential security threats.
The statement read: “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of the planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State.”
The police further warned that failure to comply could result in severe consequences. “In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State.
As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.”
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained resolute, asserting that her “homecoming” rally is meant for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations with her constituents, not a political gathering. She responded: “I am only returning to the state to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with my people, and I will not be deterred by the ban.”