- Police Commissioner: Hoodlums ‘ll Hijack Rally, Cause Chaos in Kogi
By Abiola Olawale
Widespread unease has swept through Kogi State following a directive from the state police, who have instructed suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to call off her highly anticipated homecoming rally scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Recall that the Kogi State Government had earlier banned political gatherings or rallies in the state, a move seen by man as an attempt to bar Akpoti-Uduaghan from holding the event, citing unspecified concerns.
The police directive now reinforces this prohibition.
The State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye made this known on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya.
According to the statement, the Kogi police boss said the rally is against the proclamation ban on political gatherings by the state government issued on Monday.
The statement reads in part: “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of Rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of a planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State.
“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.
“In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State. As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been in the news following her suspension from the Senate, had planned the rally “to connect with her constituents after a tumultuous period.”
Despite the Monday proclamation by the state government banning political gatherings or rallies, Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to continue with her “homecoming”, adding that she’s only coming to the state to celebrate Eid Fitr with her constituents.
