In a bold and defiant move, Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) arrived at her constituency in a grand style, landing in a helicopter.Despite the Kogi State Government’s state-wide ban on rallies and public gatherings, she addressed her supporters in Ihima, her constituency.

However, the state government has countered the senator’s insecurity remarks, claiming that she was inciting violence and crying wolf at the same time. The senator’s dramatic entry into Kogi Central for the Sallah celebration yesterday further solidified her reputation as a fearless leader who remains undeterred by political opposition and government restrictions.

While the attention of her traducers was on the roads to see how to stop her convoy, she landed in a grand style at the venue of the rally in the company of her husband. She had earlier declared to her supporters that her Sallah visit would hold despite distractions. Her arrival was met with jubilation as supporters trooped out in their numbers, cheering and chanting her name despite concerns about security threats by the state government.

“We are pleased to confirm that Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District has proceeded as planned. Despite efforts to prevent her from reaching her people, she has kept her promise and is here to celebrate with them,” her media team announced after her arrival.

The senator’s visit came against the backdrop of a controversial directive from the state government banning public gatherings, citing security threats and intelligence reports alleging plans to stage violent rallies under political and religious pretexts. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained steadfast in her resolve, insisting that she had a duty to her constituents.

“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation. No amount of intimidation can stop her from standing with her people,” the statement from her team further stated.

Political analysts see her helicopter arrival as a strategic move that not only defied state-imposed restrictions but also underscored her growing influence and political strength in Kogi Central. Many believe the bold step put her ahead of her opponents, sending a clear message that she would not be silenced or hindered in her service to the people.

Meanwhile, sources within the state government insist that the ban on rallies was necessary due to rising security concerns in parts of the state where recent violent incidents were recorded.

The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, reiterated that the government’s position remained unchanged and that any public gathering posing a threat to peace would not be tolerated.

The grand political rally planned by the embattled senator could not hold. The Guardian learnt that before taking off to Okene from Abuja, she had issued a statement on social media calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to hold the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello responsible should anything happen to her in Okehi.

The senator was also quoted as saying, “I am coming to my hometown to celebrate Sallah with my people. I am not coming for any political rally, and people will gather to welcome me home as their dear senator.

Addressing her supporters on arrival, she said, “I am in Kogi already. I am right in Ihima, my hometown. So, nobody can stop me from coming home. This is my land. I am not a bastard. I know my roots. I am an Ebira woman. I am not afraid of anybody. I am just coming to celebrate the Sallah period with my people. I am not breaking any law.

“I am just a simple, poor Ihima girl. You know me; I grew up here. But for my husband, where would I have got the resources to come with a helicopter?”

Before she arrived in Okehi yesterday, the state police command had issued a statement as early as 8.30 a.m. warning against any form of gathering in Kogi Central.

The statement signed by SP William Ovye reads, “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the state government, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Kogi State Command, has called on the organisers of the planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of peace.”

In addition to the warning by the state police, the Chairman of Okehi Local Council, Amoka Monday, imposed a curfew across the council, citing security concerns.

THE state government noted, “Let it be clear that the security of every citizen in Kogi, including that of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, remains a priority. However, the government will not tolerate anyone deliberately provoking crisis and then crying wolf when confronted with the consequences of his or her actions.”

It was reacting to the alarm raised by the senator that Ododo, Bello and Akpabio should be held responsible if anything happens to her in her hometown. Fanwo said, “This is yet another desperate and calculated attempt by an incurable liar and serial manipulator to mislead the public, incite unrest and present herself as a victim after deliberately violating the ban on political gatherings imposed by the state government to maintain law and order. Her statement exposed her plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central.

“We will not allow any part of the state to go up in flames nor permit the killing of innocent souls by the actions of the suspended senator.”