By Bolaji Ajayi, Senior Writer, TK Writers Room
The Kogi State Government has denounced the homecoming gathering organized by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters in Okene, describing it as a security breach and a violation of the state’s ban on political gatherings.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, criticized the senator for defying the directives put in place to maintain peace and security in the state.
Government, Police Ban Political Gatherings
Ahead of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s arrival, both the Kogi State Government and the state police command had separately banned political rallies, citing security concerns. The police specifically warned against the event, stating that intelligence reports indicated a risk of hijack by hoodlums.
Despite this, the suspended senator and her supporters proceeded with the gathering. Akpoti-Uduaghan defended her actions, insisting that she had not broken any laws and had a right to freedom of assembly.
Government Labels Akpoti-Uduaghan a ‘Security Threat’
Reacting to the senator’s defiance, Fanwo accused her of consistently engaging in lawless behavior and inciting unrest in the state.
“Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently demonstrated a pattern of lawlessness, using lies and deceit as political tools. Her deliberate violation of the state government’s ban on political gatherings further confirms her status as a security threat to the people of Kogi State,” Fanwo stated.
He accused her of intentionally disregarding security measures, adding that her actions endangered public safety.
‘Threat to Life’ Allegations
Before her visit, Akpoti-Uduaghan made a cryptic post on Facebook, warning that Governor Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible if anything happened to her.
The post, which has since been deleted, read:
“My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our PEACEFUL Sallah celebrations today. However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Ododo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”
Fanwo dismissed the statement as reckless and malicious, describing it as a calculated attempt to incite unrest and portray herself as a victim.
Senate Suspension and Recall Efforts
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged misconduct and defiance of the chamber’s rules. As part of the disciplinary action, she was stripped of her salary, security aides, and office privileges.
Last week, a group known as Concerned Kogi Youth and Women submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking her recall from the Senate. The petition, reportedly signed by over 250,000 registered voters in Kogi Central, meets the legal threshold for initiating a recall process.
Though INEC initially flagged the petition for missing details, the commission later confirmed receipt of the necessary corrections and indicated readiness to proceed with the recall.
However, the Senate has yet to issue an official statement on whether it has received formal notification of the recall process.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Rejects Recall, Maintains Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Akpabio
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the recall effort as fraudulent and reiterated her claim that her suspension was illegal and politically motivated.
She also reaffirmed her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio, stating:
“Against intimidation, illegal suspension, and fraudulent recall, I stand my ground on my sexual harassment claim against the Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.”
Meanwhile, some of her constituents in Kogi Central have expressed dissatisfaction with her six-month suspension, arguing that it has left them without representation in the Senate.
