By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Kogi State Government has banned rallies and public gatherings in the state over ‘security reports’.
The government also stopped fishing and other activities, lamenting that fishing activities resulted in the loss of two lives in Kasemiya, Katubo and Umozu Ette, all in Kogi Local Government Area in Kogi West.
In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the move was to prevent any form of security breach that might destabilise the state.
He added that intelligence reports indicated that some persons were planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central.
The development comes amid the homecoming ceremony of the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, scheduled for today (Tuesday).
The Metro reports that constituents in the senatorial district have initiated her recall process and submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall process follows her six-month suspension from the Senate after an altercation with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seating arrangements and allegations of sexual harassment.
Following her suspension, she raised the issue at international forums, including the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union, and on local and international news platforms such as BBC and VOA.
Her supporters, therefore, scheduled a grand reception for Tuesday to rally support for her.
In a statement on Monday, the state government, however, said that having witnessed a peaceful Sallah celebration, there were intelligence reports of security threats following planned rallies and public gatherings in the state.
The commissioner noted that the government had directed that any individual entering Kogi with a convoy of security personnel must “obtain prior clearance from state commands of the deploying services.”
Fanwo noted that fishing activities caused a crisis in Kogi West, the communal clash between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala in Ankpa Local Government Area, specifically in Enjema District, was creating tension in Kogi East, while intelligence pointed out that some elements were planning violent rallies in Kogi Central.
“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 organising rallies, using fake security personnel to foment trouble and compromise the security of law-abiding citizens of our dear state.
“While the government recognises 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 organisation is permitted to hold any form of rally within the state until further notice,” the statement read.
The government urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, adding that their safety and well-being remained a priority.
Governor Usman Ododo, according to the statement, met with the leadership of the Kogi State Traditional Council, led by the Attah of Igala, to agree on the modalities for ensuring peace and security in the state.
The governor also directed all the local government chairmen to take charge of security in their domains.
To guarantee the full implementation of the security measures, the governor directed the Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), to work closely with all security agencies in the state to ensure strict enforcement.
The statement noted that “All fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area is hereby suspended until peace is completely restored.
“Security operatives have been deployed to the affected areas to restore peace and implement our directive.
“The state government has deployed security to also calm the situation in the communal clash between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala in Ankpa Local Government Area, specifically in Enjema District, to avert further loss of lives and property.
“The ongoing peace meeting between the two communities as facilitated by the state government must be sustained,” the statement read.