The Kogi State government, citing security concerns, has implemented a comprehensive ban on rallies, public gatherings, and fishing activities in various parts of the state. This decision comes in response to a confluence of factors, including alleged plans for disruptive rallies disguised as political and religious agitations, particularly in Kogi Central, alongside communal clashes and tensions arising from fishing disputes in other areas. The government emphasizes the necessity of these measures to preempt potential security breaches and maintain public order, asserting that intelligence reports indicate a risk of orchestrated violence aimed at destabilizing the state.
The timing of the ban coincides with the planned homecoming ceremony of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. While the government’s statement doesn’t explicitly mention her event, the proximity raises questions about the intended scope of the restrictions. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stems from a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, involving allegations of sexual harassment and disputes over seating arrangements. Her subsequent international advocacy, including raising the issue at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union and with international media outlets like the BBC and VOA, has garnered both support and controversy. Her planned homecoming, intended as a show of support from her constituents, now faces uncertainty due to the government’s sweeping ban.
The government’s concerns extend beyond Kogi Central. In Kogi West, fishing activities have reportedly led to fatalities in several communities, prompting a complete suspension of such activities in Kogi Local Government Area until further notice. Meanwhile, in Kogi East, a communal clash between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala in Ankpa Local Government Area has fueled tensions, demanding the deployment of security personnel to quell the unrest and facilitate peace talks. The state government portrays these incidents as interconnected threats to public peace, necessitating a broad response to prevent escalation.
The ban on rallies and public gatherings, according to the government, is a preemptive measure against individuals purportedly planning to infiltrate the state using fake security personnel to incite violence and disrupt public order. While acknowledging the constitutional right to assembly and expression, the government maintains that security considerations override these rights in the current climate. The ban applies to all individuals, groups, and organizations without exception until further notice. Residents are urged to cooperate with security agencies and remain vigilant in the face of these potential threats.
Governor Usman Ododo has taken several steps to reinforce these security measures. He has engaged with the Kogi State Traditional Council, led by the Attah of Igala, to collaborate on strategies for maintaining peace and security across the state. Furthermore, all local government chairmen have been instructed to take direct responsibility for security within their respective jurisdictions. The Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), has been tasked with coordinating closely with all security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the new restrictions.
The government’s actions underscore a heightened state of alert in Kogi, addressing a perceived convergence of security challenges across different regions. The ban on rallies directly impacts planned political events, while the restrictions on fishing and the deployment of security forces to address communal clashes highlight wider concerns about social unrest. The government’s emphasis on intelligence reports and its proactive approach suggest a serious assessment of the risks involved, while the engagement with traditional leaders and local authorities demonstrates an effort to implement a multi-faceted security strategy. The situation remains fluid, with the duration of the ban contingent on the perceived restoration of peace and stability across the state.
