Hold Akpabio, Bello, Ododo responsible if anything happens to me – Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District, called on Nigerians on Tuesday to hold Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello accountable if she and her supporters face any violence.

She expressed her concerns in a post on her official Facebook page.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated, “Dear citizens of Kogi Central, I eagerly anticipate our peaceful Sallah celebrations today. However, if we encounter violence or are infiltrated by it, I urge Nigerians to hold Gov Ododo, Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio fully responsible.”

This warning was issued shortly after she reaffirmed her intention to proceed with her planned visit to her constituency for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and the rally organized for her homecoming.

The senator also encouraged her supporters to dismiss rumors suggesting that she had canceled her visit.

Emphasizing her duty as a lawmaker representing her constituents, she urged her supporters to come out in large numbers to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her.

On Monday, the Kogi State Government imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings due to ‘security reports.’

The government also prohibited fishing and other activities, citing recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of two individuals in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette, all located in the Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi West.

Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information, stated that this decision was made to avert any potential security threats that could disrupt the state.

In a similar vein, the Kogi Police Command advised Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Sallah rally.

Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, indicated that the proposed gathering contravenes the state government's recent prohibition on political assemblies, which was announced on Monday.

Meanwhile, videos related to the senator's anticipated homecoming rally have begun circulating on social media.

At the time this report was filed, Kogi Senator Bashir Haroon broadcasted a live feed featuring hundreds of supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan, predominantly women, who were singing and drumming in eager anticipation of her return.