Despite a government ban on rallies and processions, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan yesterday received a rousing welcome from supporters in Kogi State.Supporters from Kogi Central’s five local government areas gathered early in Ihima, Okehi LGA to welcome the embattled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.

Natasha’s Allegations Desperate Attempt to Manipulate Public Sentiment — Kogi GovtThe Kogi State Government has stated that the reckless, malicious and utterly false allegations made by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on her verified Facebook page, in which she claims that Governor Ahmed Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible if anything happens to her, are completely unfounded.In a press statement issued yesterday by Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo said: “This is yet another desperate and calculated attempt 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 the Kogi Central Senatorial District. We will not allow any part of the state to go up in flames nor permit the killing of innocent souls due to the actions of the suspended Senator.“Although she has since deleted the post after realizing the potential consequences of her false claim, we have secured a screenshot of it before its removal. Her actions since the early hours of today have validated the security report that certain elements were planning to foment trouble in Kogi Central.“Let it be categorically stated that Governor Ododo has absolutely no interest in the political theatrics of the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her baseless allegations are nothing but a feeble attempt to stir unnecessary controversy and cover up her blatant disregard for the law. She has once again proven that she has no respect for rules and regulations.“Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently demonstrated a pattern of lawlessness, using lies and deceit as tools for political engagement. The recent disturbances in Kogi State, orchestrated by her defiance of the state’s security directives, have further established her status as a security threat to the people of the State.“She deliberately violated the State Government’s ban on political gatherings, which was enacted to prevent security breaches and maintain peace. Rather than respecting the law, she chose to incite chaos, disregarding the safety and stability of the state. When confronted with the consequences of her actions, she resorted to her usual tactics of playing the victim and fabricating baseless accusations against respected leaders of the state and the nation.“The people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large should see through her deceptive ploys and reject her attempts to manipulate public perception with outright lies. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not a victim; she is an instigator of disorder who thrives on spreading falsehoods to gain public sympathy.”Fanwo emphasized that the Kogi State Government will not be blackmailed or intimidated by the antics of a desperate politician who has built her political career on falsehoods.“We remain committed to upholding law and order and will take all necessary steps to ensure that no individual, no matter how highly placed, is allowed to breach public peace with impunity. The building tension and cloud of violence hanging over Kogi Central would not have been necessary if Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had complied with the State Government’s directives and cooperated with security agencies. She will be held responsible if her actions result in any violence in Kogi Central or any part of the State.“Let it be clear that the security of every citizen in Kogi State, including that of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, remains a priority. However, the government will not tolerate anyone deliberately provoking crises and then crying wolf when confronted with the consequences of their actions.“We call on the security agencies to take note of her reckless utterances and inflammatory actions that pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the state. She should be held accountable for her blatant attempts to incite violence and cause unnecessary tension.“Kogi State remains a peaceful state under the leadership of the Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and we will not allow anyone, regardless of their status, to derail our commitment to peace, security, and progress,” the statement partly read.