The Kogi government has placed a ban on rallies and public gatherings in the state over “credible security reports”.

In a statement on Monday, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information, said the move is to prevent any form of security breach that might destabilise the state.

The development comes amid the homecoming ceremony of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Kogi central senator, scheduled for Tuesday.

Fanwo said Kogi has witnessed a peaceful sallah celebration, but some security threats are threatening the peace of the state

He added that the intelligence reports indicate that some persons are planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi central.

The commissioner noted that the state government has directed that any individual entering Kogi with a convoy of security personnel must “obtain prior clearance from state commands of the deploying services”.

“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 statement reads.

“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.

“While the government recognizes 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 organization is permitted to hold any form of rally within the state until further notice.”

Recently, Akpoti-Uduaghan has been making the headlines following her six-month suspension from the senate and the sexual harassment allegations she levelled against Godswill Akpabio, senate president.

On March 26, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notified the Kogi senator of the petition by constituents seeking her recall from the national assembly.

Some members of her constituents had submitted the recall petition to the INEC after reportedly collecting signatures of 250,000 voters from 488,000 registered voters in Kogi central.

The Cable