1st April ,2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
The Kogi State Government has dismissed allegations made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing them as reckless, malicious, and an attempt to incite public unrest. Akpoti-Uduaghan had claimed in a now-deleted Facebook post that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible if anything happened to her.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the senator’s claims were false and aimed at misleading the public.
“Her statement exposed her plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central Senatorial District. We will not allow any part of the state to go up in flames nor permit the killing of innocent souls by the actions of the suspended senator,” Fanwo said.
He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of deliberately violating the state government’s ban on political gatherings, which he said was imposed to maintain peace and security. According to him, her actions since the early hours of Tuesday confirmed intelligence reports that some individuals were plotting to cause unrest in Kogi Central.
“Although she has since deleted the post after realizing what the lie would cost her, we have a screenshot of it. Her baseless allegations are nothing but a feeble attempt to stir unnecessary controversy and cover up her blatant disregard for the law,” he added.
The government further alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had a history of defying security directives, branding her an instigator of disorder who thrives on falsehoods to gain public sympathy.
Fanwo emphasized that Governor Ododo had no interest in the senator’s “political theatrics” and warned that she would be held responsible if her actions led to any violence in Kogi Central.
“The people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large should see through her deceptive ploys. She is not a victim; she is an instigator of disorder,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to law and order, warning that no individual, regardless of status, would be allowed to threaten public peace.
“Kogi State remains a peaceful state under the leadership of His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo, and we will not allow anyone to derail our commitment to peace, security, and progress,” Fanwo concluded.
