Cancel your homecoming rally – Police tell Natasha

The Kogi State Police Command has directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in the Central Senatorial District, citing security concerns and a recent state government ban on political gatherings.

State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, issued the directive on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya. The police emphasized that the rally violates the government’s proclamation issued on Monday, which banned all forms of political gatherings and processions due to intelligence reports on potential security threats.

“Following intelligence reports on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rallies and processions by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, has called on the organizers of the planned rally at Okene to cancel such an event in the interest of peace in the state,” the statement read.

The police further warned that intelligence reports indicate that hoodlums may attempt to hijack the rally, potentially leading to violence. The command stated that it would not allow any activity that could threaten the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

“In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is advising the organizers to cancel the event to avoid any breakdown of law and order. The command will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on anyone who causes a disturbance of peace and order in the state,” the statement added.

Despite the state government’s ban on political gatherings, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains defiant, insisting that her visit is a “homecoming” and not a political rally. She maintains that she is simply returning to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents and has vowed to proceed with her planned engagements.