The Kogi State Government has prohibited rallies and public meetings in the state over ‘security reports.’
The administration also banned fishing and other activities, noting that fishing operations resulted in the loss of two lives in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette, all in the Kogi Local Administration Area in Kogi West.
Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information, stated on Monday that the action was made to prevent any type of security breach that could disrupt the state.
He further stated that intelligence assessments showed that some individuals were going to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central.
The development comes as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, prepares for her homecoming ceremony today.
Chronicle NG reports that the constituents in the senatorial district have started the recall process by submitting a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall comes after a six-month suspension from the Senate after an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements and claims of sexual harassment.
Following her suspension, she brought up the subject in international venues such as the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union, as well as on local and international news outlets like the BBC and VOA.
Her supporters, as a result, planned a large reception on Tuesday to gather support for her.
Throughout a statement issued on Monday, the state government stated that, despite witnessing a peaceful Sallah celebration, there were intelligence inputs of security concerns after scheduled protests and public gatherings throughout the state.
The commissioner stated that the government had ordered that anyone entering Kogi with a convoy of security personnel “obtain prior clearance from state commands of the deploying services”.
Fanwo mentioned that fishing activities caused a crisis in Kogi West, the communal clash between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala in Ankpa Local Government Area was creating tension in Kogi East, and intelligence pointed out that some elements were planning violent rallies in Kogi Central.
“These flashes of disturbances are raising tension in the state and threatening to breach public peace and security.
“This decision has been necessitated by intelligence reports indicating that certain individuals are plotting to infiltrate the state under the guise of organising rallies, using fake security personnel to foment trouble and compromise the security of law-abiding citizens of our dear state.
“While the government recognises the constitutional rights of citizens to gather and express themselves, security considerations must take precedence in the interest of public safety.
“As such, no individual, group, or organisation is permitted to hold any form of rally within the state until further notice,” the statement read.
The administration advised residents to be law-abiding, cautious, and helpful with security forces, emphasising that their safety and well-being remained a top concern.
According to the statement, Governor Usman Ododo met with the leadership of the Kogi State Traditional Council, led by the Attah of Igala, to discuss the mechanisms for maintaining peace and security in the state.
The governor also asked all local government chairmen to oversee security in their respective areas.
To ensure effective implementation of the security measures, the governor asked the security adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), to collaborate closely with all state security agencies to ensure tight enforcement.
The statement noted that “All fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area are hereby suspended until peace is completely restored.
“Security operatives have been deployed to the affected areas to restore peace and implement our directive.
“The state government has deployed security to also calm the situation in the communal clash between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala in Ankpa Local Government Area, specifically in Enjema District, to avert further loss of lives and property.
“The ongoing peace meeting between the two communities as facilitated by the state government must be sustained,” the statement read.
