Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

The Kogi State Government has strongly condemned recent allegations made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing them as “reckless, malicious, and false.” In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state commissioner for information and communication, Kingsley Fanwo, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to incite unrest and urged security agencies to monitor her activities.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible if any harm comes to her. However, the government dismissed her claims as an attempt to mislead the public and gain sympathy.

Fanwo stated that her actions violated a state-imposed ban on political gatherings and accused her of trying to provoke violence in Kogi Central. He warned that the government would not tolerate any form of incitement and insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan should be held accountable for any unrest.

The commissioner further alleged that the senator had a history of disregarding security directives, accusing her of deliberately stirring controversy. He maintained that Governor Ododo had no interest in her “political theatrics” and would not be distracted by her claims.

The government’s response followed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s visit to Kogi State, where she was welcomed by supporters despite the ban on public gatherings. Crowds from the five local government areas in Kogi Central gathered in Ihima, Okehi LGA, to celebrate her arrival. She arrived in a white helicopter, addressing her supporters and insisting that she was simply visiting to celebrate Sallah with her constituents, not engaging in political activities.

She criticised the government’s restrictions, stating that she was exercising her right to freely associate and celebrate with her people.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has previously accused Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello of targeting her, claiming she is being politically persecuted following her suspension from the Senate amid allegations involving Akpabio.

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