Supporters await Natasha’s arrival in Kogi, as Senator asks Nigerians to hold Akpabio, Ododo, Bello responsible for any violence
- Supporters await Natasha’s arrival in Kogi, as Senator asks Nigerians to hold Akpabio, Ododo, Bello responsible for any violence
By Emma Ogbuehi
A large crowd of supporters has gathered in anticipation of the homecoming of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly.
Holding placards and chanting in solidarity, the supporters are eagerly awaiting her arrival despite the heightened political tensions and the recent ban on political gatherings imposed by the Kogi State Government on Monday.
The event is being broadcast live on AIT and other electronic media outlets.
The gathering is taking place directly in front of her country home in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of the state.
Hold Akpabio, Ododo, Bello responsible for any violence— Natasha
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has called on Nigerians to hold Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, responsible if she and her supporters are attacked in Kogi State.
The suspended senator raised the alarm in a post via her official Facebook on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
She wrote: “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 Òdodo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”
Senator Natasha, who recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, also urged her supporters to disregard speculations that her scheduled visit to her senatorial district has been canceled.
Earlier, the Kogi Police Command had asked the lawmaker to cancel her planned Eid-el-Fitr celebration rally in the state.
Ignoring the police warning, Senator Natasha encouraged her supporters to troop out en masse to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr with her, stressing that she has a statutory function as the lawmaker representing them in the Senate.
It would be recalled that the Kogi State Government banned rallies and public gatherings in the state on Monday over ‘security reports.’
The state government also stopped fishing and other activities in the state, with the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, saying the move was to prevent any form of a security breach that might destabilise the state.
Council chairman declares curfew in Natasha’s LGA
As tensions rise, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Amoka Eneji, has declared an emergency curfew in the area, a move widely seen as an attempt to forestall the homecoming of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had planned to celebrate Sallah with her constituents.
In a statement personally signed by the chairman on Tuesday, Eneji stated that the curfew was aimed at maintaining peace and order following the ban on all political rallies and unregulated public gatherings in the LGA.
“The Okehi LGA Executive Chairman, Hon. Amoka Eneji Monday, has declared a curfew across Okehi Local Government Area. This decision is aimed at maintaining peace and order, following a ban on all political rallies and unregulated public gatherings within the LGA.”
According to the statement, the curfew takes immediate effect and restricts movement and gatherings in certain areas.
“Anyone found gathering or walking around restricted areas without permission from the relevant authorities will be arrested and charged to court. This is in line with the directive of the state government and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police.”
Eneji emphasized that public safety remains the administration’s top priority, warning that no actions that could compromise peace and stability would be tolerated.
The Okehi LGA administration, in collaboration with security agencies, is closely monitoring the situation to prevent potential security breaches. The statement also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the government and security agencies to ensure peace in the community.
