The Kogi State Government has urged security agencies to hold Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central accountable for allegedly inciting violence by holding a homecoming rally despite a government ban on political gatherings.
In a statement on Tuesday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, accused the senator of defying Governor Usman Ododo’s directive, warning that she should be held responsible if any unrest occurs.
The statement read in part, “Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently demonstrated a pattern of lawlessness, using lies and deceit as her tools of political engagement.
“The recent disturbances in Kogi State, orchestrated by her defiance of the state’s security directives, have further confirmed her status as a security threat to the people of the state.
“She deliberately violated the State Government’s ban on political gatherings, which was put in place to prevent security breaches and maintain peace.
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“Instead of respecting the law, she chose to incite chaos, disregarding the safety and stability of the state. When confronted with the consequences of her actions, she resorted to her usual tactics of playing the victim and fabricating baseless accusations against respected leaders of the state and the nation.”
Fanwo insisted that the senator’s actions were a deliberate attempt to undermine the government’s security measures, warning that authorities would not tolerate individuals provoking crises and then claiming victimhood.
He continued, “Let it be clear that the security of every citizen in Kogi State, including that of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, remains a priority.
“However, the government will not tolerate anyone deliberately provoking crises and then crying wolf when confronted with the consequences of his or her actions.
“We call on the security agencies to take note of her reckless utterances and inflammatory actions that pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the state.
“She should be held accountable for her blatant attempts to incite violence and cause unnecessary tension.
“Kogi State remains a peaceful state under the leadership of the Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, and we will not allow anyone, regardless of his or her status, to derail our commitment to peace, security, and progress.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE