Kogi Sallah Party: Hold Ododo, Bello, Akpabio Responsible If It Turns Violent, Natasha Tells Nigerians

Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has told Nigerians to hold Kogi State governor Ahmed Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, responsible if her planned Eid-el-Fitr celebrations slated for this Tuesday in Kogi Central turned violent.

Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed this on Tuesday via her Facebook page, reaffirming her commitment to attending the Sallah celebrations in her constituency despite a state-imposed ban on public gatherings.

“My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our PEACEFUL Sallah celebrations today. However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Òdodo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible,” she wrote.

LEADERSHIP reports that despite Kogi State government’s directive, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted on proceeding with her Sallah visit to constituents, dismissing speculations about a cancellation. In an earlier statement released by her media team, she urged her supporters to disregard rumours and affirmed her commitment to engaging with her constituents.

“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District will proceed as planned. Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit,” her team stated.

This followed the Kogi State Government’s decision on Monday to prohibit religious and political gatherings, citing security threats. On Monday, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, announced that intelligence reports suggested plans to stage violent protests disguised as political or religious activities in Kogi Central.

“The move is necessary to prevent potential security breaches that could destabilise the state,” Fanwo stated.

In addition, the state government banned fishing and other activities in certain areas following recent violent incidents that led to two deaths in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette communities.