Ahead of the planned visit of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to her hometown in Okene, the Kogi State Government has issued a restriction on “unauthorized movement” and demanded any convoy of persons coming into the state must obtain permit from law enforcement.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is scheduled to visit her senatorial district on Tuesday, her first visit since her suspension from the senate and since some constituents initiated her recall.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo claimed that the decision is based on credible intelligence reports that require proactive measures be taken to avert a security breach.
The government particularly referred to Kogi Central where the senator hails from, saying there are suspicions of a security breach
The statement reads, “intelligence at our disposal points to the fact that some elements are planning to stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations. This is to create a platform for wanton destruction and breakdown of law and order”.
It warned that flashes of disturbances are raising tension in the state and threatening to breach public peace and security.
Consequently, it says it is banning any form of rally. “Effective immediately, the Kogi State Government has placed a total ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace. This decision has been necessitated by intelligence reports indicating that certain individuals are plotting to infiltrate the state under the guise of organizing rallies, using fake security personnel to foment trouble and compromise the security of law-abiding citizens of our dear state”.
While acknowledging the rights of citizens to gather and express themselves, the Governor Usman Ododo-led government insists security considerations must take precedence in the interest of public safety.
“As such, no individual, group, or organization is permitted to hold any form of rally within the state until further notice effective today (Monday)”
It added, “the Kogi State Government has directed that any individual or group entering the state with a convoy of security personnel must obtain prior clearance from state commands of the deploying services. This measure is to ensure proper profiling and verification of all security operatives accompanying such convoys”.
The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), has been directed to work closely with all security agencies in the state to ensure strict enforcement while security agencies have been placed on “high alert and will take all necessary steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order”.
