In Nigeria, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has firmly stated that no legal restrictions prevent her from celebrating the Islamic festival of Sallah with her constituents. Her remarks come amidst allegations that her visit to the region was politically motivated.
During her homecoming on Tuesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that her visit was not a political rally but a personal and cultural celebration. She emphasized the constitutional rights of Nigerians to gather and celebrate freely, saying, “This is Nigeria; we have the right to be free, to express our choices in gathering and celebration. There is no law in the constitution that prohibits me from coming home to celebrate Sallah with my people.”
The senator also raised concerns about potential violence during her visit, urging accountability from key political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello. In a social media post, she wrote, “Should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Òdodo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”
Her visit coincided with heightened tensions in Kogi State, where the government recently imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing security concerns. This decision followed reports of fatalities in local communities, further intensifying the political climate.
