Kogi Government Accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Of Inciting Violence At Homecoming Rally.
The Kogi State Government has accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of inciting violence during her homecoming rally in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, despite existing security restrictions on political gatherings.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, made the allegation following the senator’s remarks in a viral video where she claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello were plotting to assassinate her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who arrived at the rally by helicopter to a cheering crowd, alleged that she had received intelligence about a plan to eliminate her. However, Fanwo strongly condemned her statement, warning that such claims could have led to violent clashes.
“If the supporters of the other principal political actors had reacted, yesterday would have been so bloody,” Fanwo said during an interview with TVC on Wednesday.
“You are accusing the Senate President, the former governor, and the current governor of planning an assassination against your person, and you were even giving graphic explanations of how it would happen. This was aimed at inciting her people and eliciting reactions from the supporters of the other principal actors,” he added.
The Kogi State Government had earlier placed a ban on political rallies, citing security concerns. Fanwo defended the decision, stating that it was a preventive measure to maintain peace. “The government took a responsible step by ensuring that there was no crisis,” he said.
Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, argue that the restrictions disproportionately affect opposition figures. The senator, a vocal critic of the ruling party, has had frequent political clashes with the state leadership, with tensions rising ahead of the next election cycle.
As political activities intensify in Kogi State, concerns remain over the potential for further confrontations between rival political groups.
