The Kogi State Government has imposed movement restrictions and banned rallies in anticipation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s upcoming visit to her hometown in Okene, citing safety concerns.
In a statement issued Monday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced that “effective immediately, the Kogi State Government has placed a total ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace.”
The decision arises amidst increased political tensions in Kogi Central, the senator’s home region. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was recently suspended from the Senate, plans to visit her senatorial district on Tuesday—marking her first visit since a recall effort was initiated by some of her constituents.
The government asserts that the restrictions are grounded in “credible intelligence” suggesting possible unrest, but critics argue that the decision is politically driven. Fanwo stated that intelligence reports suggest “certain individuals are scheming to enter the state disguised as rally organizers, employing false security personnel to incite unrest and jeopardize the safety of law-abiding citizens.”
The statement also stated that “no person, group, or organization is allowed to organize any type of rally in the state until further notice.”
Furthermore, the government has required that all convoys entering Kogi secure approval from security agencies. The statement indicated, “Anyone or any group arriving in the state with a convoy of security personnel must receive prior authorization from the state commands of the respective services.”
The directive assigns State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd) the responsibility of ensuring rigorous enforcement in cooperation with law enforcement agencies that are currently on “high alert.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not yet reacted to the government’s decision, but her supporters claim that the restrictions are intended to suppress political dissent.
