Natasha Akpoti being welcomed by her supporters in Kogi central | File photo
Amoka Monday, chairman of Okehi LGA of Kogi state, has imposed a curfew across the council area over alleged security concerns.
The move follows plans for a homecoming rally by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended Kogi central senator.
In a statement personally signed by Monday, he said the curfew was necessary to uphold peace and order following directives by the of the Kogi state government and police.
The LG chair said anyone loitering or gathering in restricted areas without authorisation from relevant authorities will face arrest and prosecution.
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“The curfew, which takes immediate effect, restricts movement and gatherings in designated areas,” the statement reads.
“Anyone found loitering or assembling in restricted zones without clearance from the relevant authorities will be arrested and prosecuted.
“This is in line with the directive of the state government and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police.
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“The safety and security of our people are our top priority. We will not tolerate any actions that could compromise the peace and stability of our communities.”
He added that the decision to impose the curfew was a “proactive measure” to prevent any potential security breaches.
On Monday, the state government announced a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing “credible security reports”.
A statement by Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information, said the measure was taken to avert threats that could destabilise the state.
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Afterwards, the media office of Akpoti-Uduaghan said her planned visit to Kogi central for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations will proceed as scheduled.
The senator’s team also assured residents that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and joyous event.
In the early hours of Tuesday, the Kogi police command asked Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned Eid-el-Fitr celebration rally, citing intelligence reports of a security threat.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been making the headlines following her six-month suspension from the senate and the sexual harassment allegations she levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
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On March 26, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notified the Kogi senator of a recall petition from some members of her constituency.
The constituents had submitted the recall petition to INEC after reportedly collecting signatures of 250,000 voters from 488,000 registered voters.
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