Kogi Govt Accuses Sen. Natasha of Inciting Violence »

The Kogi State Government has strongly refuted allegations made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible if any harm comes to her.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government described the allegations as “reckless, malicious, and utterly false.” The statement accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to manipulate public sentiment and incite unrest in the state.

The controversy erupted after the senator, in a now-deleted social media post, alleged that her life was in danger due to the actions of key political figures in the state. However, the government claims to have obtained a screenshot of the post before its removal, reinforcing its stance that she is attempting to stir controversy and gain public sympathy.

The government asserted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan deliberately violated a ban on political gatherings, which was imposed to maintain law and order in Kogi Central Senatorial District. The statement further accused her of planning to use her visit to create tension and disrupt peace in the state.

According to the government, the senator has a history of “lawlessness and deceit,” often resorting to misinformation to further her political ambitions. Officials warned that her actions posed a security threat to Kogi State and called on security agencies to take note of her “reckless utterances and inflammatory actions.”

“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,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, including Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, but warned that anyone attempting to provoke a crisis would be held accountable.

The situation has heightened political tensions in the state, with observers keenly watching how security agencies will respond to the latest developments.