Kogi SDP tackles Ododo over ban on rallies

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi state has berated Usman Ododo, the governor, over the ban on rallies and public gatherings in the state.

A statement issued by Isaiah Ijele, Kogi SDP press secretary, quoted Ahmed Attah, the chairman, as describing the ban as “an attack on democratic principles and a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices”.

Attah asked Ododo to “learn from the past” and refrain from repeating harmful practices that have hindered the state’s progress.

He said the ban violates the constitutional rights to freedom of movement and association, warning that Kogi is “not at war” and that the government should focus on development rather than repression.

“The party views this action as an attempt to suppress the freedom of association and movement enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

The restrictions were imposed just before a planned homecoming event for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, on April 1.

The Kogi police command had asked Akpoti–Uduaghan to cancel her planned Eid-el-Fitr celebration rally, citing intelligence reports of a security threat.

Amoka Monday, chairman of Okehi LGA, had also declared a curfew across the council area.

Despite the security concerns and government restrictions, Akpoti-Uduaghan was met with a large crowd of supporters as she arrived in Okehi LGA by helicopter.

The senator had earlier cautioned that any violence during the event should be blamed on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the state governor, and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.