The Kogi State Government has strongly criticized the actions of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, accusing her of defying state authority by violating a ban on political gatherings and the use of convoys. The law, according to the government, was enacted to maintain peace and order in the state.
Dismissing the Senator’s allegations that influential figures were behind the restrictions, the state government reaffirmed its position in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo.
Mr. Fanwo addressed the controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti Uduaghan’s claims, stating:
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“The attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to the reckless, malicious, and utterly false allegations made by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan on her verified Facebook page. In her post, she alleged that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible if anything happens to her.”
The commissioner further described the Senator’s accusations as “another desperate and calculated attempt by an incurable liar and serial manipulator to mislead the public, incite unrest, and present herself as a victim.”
According to the government, Akpoti Uduaghan’s actions confirmed security reports indicating that certain individuals were plotting to instigate trouble in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Reaffirming the state’s stance on maintaining order, Fanwo declared:
“Her statement exposed her plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central. 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.”
The government also claimed to have evidence of her deleted Facebook post, warning that her history of defying laws proves her disregard for governance and security regulations.
The state government emphasized that Governor Ododo remains uninvolved in political conflicts involving the Senator.
“Let it be categorically stated that Governor Ododo has no interest in the political theatrics of the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. Her baseless allegations are nothing but a feeble attempt to stir unnecessary controversy and cover up her blatant disregard for the law,” Fanwo stated.
He further accused the Senator of exploiting public sentiment for personal and political gain, stating: “She has once again proven that she has no respect for rules and the law.”
The state government urged security agencies to take note of her statements and actions, asserting:
“The people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large should see through her deceptive ploys and reject her attempt to manipulate public perception with outright lies. Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan is not a victim; she is an instigator of disorder who thrives on spreading falsehoods to gain public sympathy.”
The statement further warned that the government would not tolerate any individual attempting to disrupt public peace:
“The Kogi State Government will not be blackmailed or intimidated by the antics of a desperate politician who has built her political career on falsehoods. We remain committed to upholding law and order and will take all necessary steps to ensure that no individual, no matter how highly placed, is allowed to breach public peace with impunity.”
In concluding the statement, the government assured residents that maintaining peace remains its priority, stating:
“The security of every citizen in Kogi State, including that of Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, remains a priority. However, the government will not tolerate anyone deliberately provoking crises and then crying wolf when confronted with the consequences of his or her actions.”
The government called on security agencies to investigate the Senator’s remarks, warning that “her reckless utterances and inflammatory actions pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the state.”