The people of Kogi central came out enmass for the home coming of embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which has drawn many attention as she visited her home for the Sallah celebrations.
She was received by a large crowd of supporters who rallied round her despite the ban by the government against any form of gatherings and rallies to curb security challenges.
It would be recalled that the state government has ban every form of gatherings and rallies, in a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, noted that the action was taken to prevent any form of security breach that might destabilise the state. He noted that intelligence reports revealed that some persons were planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central.
Fanwo’s statement added that the government had directed that any individual entering Kogi with a convoy of security personnel must “obtain prior clearance from state commands of the deploying services.”
“While the government recognises the constitutional rights of citizens to gather and express themselves, security considerations must take precedence in the interest of public safety, his statement added yesterday.
Meanwhile, the chairman of Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) Council, Hon. Amoka Eneji, following his principal had earlier imposed a curfew on the LGA in order to stop the homecoming Sallah party by Senator Natasha.
Backing the state government, earlier today, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, asked Senator Natasha to cancel her planned Sallah rally in Kogi State’s Central Senatorial District as it is against the state government’s recent ban on political gatherings, which was announced on Monday.
The Senator however insisted that her “homecoming,” has no intention of breaking the law but to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.
Taking a twist which we can say was unexpected, Natasha’s arrival today faulted the government’s ban as the senator was spotted with a jopper cheered by large crowd of supporters.
While addressing her supporters who came to receive her at Ihima community of Okehi Local Government Area (LGA), she said, “Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies, gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be allowed. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time,” the lawmaker said.
“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
The crowd sited with the Senator has sparked reactions on X. Since her petition against the Senate President, Natasha has gained more recognition both home and abroad. Although suspended, the heart of her people seems to be with her having seen how she was welcomed home, although against the ban by the state government which some have described as polical and questioned the recall process signed against her.
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