The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi state has berated governor Usman Ododo over the ban on rallies and public gatherings in the state.
A statement issued by Isaiah Ijele, Kogi SDP press secretary, quoted Ahmed Attah, the chairman, as describing the ban as “an attack on democratic principles and a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices”.
Attah asked Ododo to “learn from the past” and refrain from repeating harmful practices that have hindered the state’s progress.
He said the ban violates the constitutional rights to freedom of movement and association, warning that Kogi is “not at war” and that the government should focus on development rather than repression.
“The party views this action as an attempt to suppress the freedom of association and movement enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
The restrictions were imposed just before a planned homecoming event for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, on April 1.