Embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has landed in her constituency despite moves by the state government and the Nigeria Police to stop the homecoming.
The Kogi State Police Command had issued security alerts urging the suspended lawmaker to shelve the planned rally.
The chairman of Okehi LGA of Kogi state, Amoka Monday, also imposed a curfew across the council area over alleged security concerns.
The move follows plans for a homecoming rally by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement personally signed by Monday, he said the curfew was necessary to uphold peace and order following directives by the of the Kogi state government and police.
The LG chair said anyone loitering or gathering in restricted areas without authorisation from relevant authorities will face arrest and prosecution.
“The curfew, which takes immediate effect, restricts movement and gatherings in designated areas,” the statement reads.
“Anyone found loitering or assembling in restricted zones without clearance from the relevant authorities will be arrested and prosecuted.
“This is in line with the directive of the state government and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police.
“The safety and security of our people are our top priority. We will not tolerate any actions that could compromise the peace and stability of our communities.”
He added that the decision to impose the curfew was a “proactive measure” to prevent any potential security breaches.
On Monday, the state government announced a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing “credible security reports”.
Afterwards, the media office of Akpoti-Uduaghan said her planned visit to Kogi central for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations will proceed as scheduled.
The senator’s team also assured residents that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and joyous event.
In the early hours of Tuesday, the Kogi police command asked Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Eid-el-Fitr celebration rally, citing intelligence reports of a security threat.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been making the headlines following her six-month suspension from the senate and the sexual harassment allegations she levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The female politician, however, defied all the threats and stormed Kogi on Tuesday afternoon into a rousing welcome by her supporters and constituents. She arrived in a chartered helicopter.
In a short clip sighted by The Affairs, Natasha addressed the teeming crowd of supporters.
“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody” – Senator Natasha said
