K ogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, has defended the state government’s controversial ban on public rallies, clarifying that the decision was not aimed at any individual but was intended to ensure security and public order.
Reason Behind the Ban
In an interview on Breakfast Central, a News Central program on Thursday, Fanwo explained that the ban was implemented across all three senatorial districts of the state, citing violent clashes in various parts of Kogi, which had resulted in both deaths and injuries. The commissioner emphasized that the restriction was a necessary measure to curb further violence and instability.
Despite the ban imposed by Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan went ahead with her homecoming rally, drawing a large crowd in defiance of the restriction. The rally, which took place in the Kogi Central Senatorial District, drew significant attention due to the large turnout.
Security Measures and Tensions
On Monday, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, reaffirmed the ban, warning that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned Sallah homecoming rally violated the government’s directive. He urged the senator to cancel the event, noting that public gatherings could escalate tensions in an already volatile environment. To enforce the ban, heavily armed police officers, military personnel, and members of the civil defense corps were deployed to block roads around the venue.
In response to the restrictions, Akpoti-Uduaghan bypassed the roadblock by flying into her Ihima country home in Adavi Local Government Area via helicopter—a move that surprised many and highlighted her determination to carry out her rally.
The Senator’s Suspension
In the midst of the rally controversy, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been embroiled in another issue—her recent six-month suspension from the Senate. The suspension followed her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. A report from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions led to the suspension, citing violations of Senate Rules.
The combination of these events has fueled ongoing political and public tension in Kogi State, with many closely watching how the government handles the situation moving forward.
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