The Kogi State Government has issued a stern warning to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, holding her accountable for any potential violence stemming from her recent political activities.
The warning follows a homecoming rally held by Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday, which was reportedly conducted in defiance of a state directive banning political gatherings and convoys. The government expressed concerns that her actions could disrupt public order.
In an official statement released by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, the government accused the senator of attempting to incite unrest in the Kogi Central Senatorial District. Fanwo described her allegations against key political figures as “reckless, malicious, and entirely false.”
The statement specifically addressed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and the incumbent Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, were responsible for her political struggles. She had earlier posted on her verified Facebook page that these leaders should be held accountable if anything happened to her. However, the government dismissed these claims as baseless and an attempt to mislead the public.
“This is yet another calculated attempt by an individual known for misinformation and manipulation to create unrest and portray herself as a victim,” Fanwo stated. He further alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rally was a deliberate move to stir violence, warning that the state would not tolerate actions that could endanger lives and disrupt stability.
The commissioner also revealed that despite the senator later deleting her controversial Facebook post, the government had obtained a screenshot as evidence. He criticized her for allegedly disregarding the law and ignoring security measures meant to prevent unrest.
The Kogi State Government labeled Akpoti-Uduaghan a security risk, citing what it described as her consistent defiance of regulations designed to maintain peace. The statement asserted that she deliberately violated the ban on political gatherings, which was imposed to ensure public safety.
“She has once again shown a lack of respect for established laws. Instead of adhering to government directives, she chose to incite chaos and disregard the peace and stability of Kogi State,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining law and order, the government warned that no individual, regardless of status, would be permitted to disrupt public peace with impunity. It urged the people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large to recognize what it termed as her deceptive tactics.
Furthermore, the government called on security agencies to closely monitor Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions and statements, holding her responsible for any disturbances that may arise from them.
“Kogi State remains a peaceful and stable state under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. We will not allow anyone to derail our commitment to security and progress,” the statement concluded.
The government also emphasized that it would not be swayed by what it described as political blackmail, maintaining that it would take necessary actions to uphold law and order. It noted that the escalating tension in Kogi Central could have been avoided if Akpoti-Uduaghan had complied with state directives and worked in coordination with security agencies.
“She will be held accountable if her actions lead to violence in Kogi Central or any other part of the state,” the government reiterated.
