Police authorities in Kogi State have asked organisers of a homecoming rally for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel it.
In a statement on Tuesday, the spokesman of the Kogi Police Command, William Aya, hinged the warning on an “intelligence report”.
“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause a disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying,” the statement read.
Aya said, “In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State”.
According to the police image maker, the warning is in line with the Kogi State Government’s ban on all forms of rallies and processions.
The police cautioned against the defiance of the warning by the organsiers of the rally.
“The Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State,” the police said.
On Monday, the Kogi State Government banned rallies and processions, citing “credible security reports”.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said it was necessary to forestall a breakdown of peace and stability.
“In Kogi Central, intelligence at our disposal points to the fact that some elements are planning to stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations,” the Kogi State Government said.
“This is to create a platform for wanton destruction and breakdown of law and order. These flashes of disturbances are raising tension in the state and threatening to breach public peace and security.
“In view of this, and effective immediately, the Kogi State Government has placed a total ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace.
“This decision has been necessitated by intelligence reports indicating that certain individuals are plotting to infiltrate the state under the guise of organizing rallies, using fake security personnel to foment trouble and compromise the security of law-abiding citizens of our dear state.”
