Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has strongly criticized the emergency curfew imposed in Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State, coinciding with the planned Sallah homecoming of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
"Did I hear that they were trying to prevent this amazing homecoming of the heroic Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from taking place?" Ezekwesili questioned, expressing concerns over what she described as an attempt to stifle democratic engagement.
The curfew was declared by the Chairman of Okehi LGA, Hon. Amoka Eneji, in what many see as a deliberate move to hinder the senator's visit. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had planned to celebrate Sallah with her constituents, an event anticipated with excitement by her supporters.
Ezekwesili called on the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser to ensure the senator's safety, emphasizing that democratic traditions must be upheld. She described a video of the senator's supporters eagerly awaiting her return as "both delightful and inspiring," adding that the people's energy demonstrated true democratic legitimacy.
"Senator @NatashaAkpoti is definitely making a bold statement on how one person can make a difference to a political culture that rewards bad behavior," she added. "All reasonable Nigerians stand in solidarity with her and the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial Constituency as they teach us what true democratic legitimacy and leadership should look like."
The curfew has sparked widespread debate, with many seeing it as an abuse of power aimed at suppressing opposition voices. Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan argue that such restrictions undermine democracy and citizens' rights to freely associate with their representatives.
As tensions rise, political observers are keenly watching how security agencies will handle the situation and whether the curfew will be lifted to allow for the senator's much-anticipated visit.
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