Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, has said that security operatives will determine whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan should be arrested for flouting the ban on public gatherings in the state.

Kogi Governor Usman Ododo on Monday banned any kind of public gathering, claiming that intelligence gathered showed some persons planned to cause trouble.

But Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted she would meet with her constituents to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

The police then warned her to cancel the planned gathering, threatening to “apply the full wrath of law” on anyone who disturbs peace and order in the state.

“In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State. As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State,” the police said.

Reacting on Tuesday night after the gathering was held, Fanwo said on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme: “There was a directive from the state governor and the security agencies were told to execute the directive.

“If someone has violated it, the security agencies do not need the governor again to give them another directive; they know what to do.

“Only the security agencies will be able to answer that (whether to arrest the senator or not); they know how they go about their operations. I am not a police officer but I am very sure that she should be asked a lot of questions about her incitements.”

The Lagos State Government has warned commercial bus operators, particularly drivers of mini buses, colloquially known as ‘Korope’, against route violations and illegal parking across the state.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, gave the warning in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

The statement was signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Taofiq Adebayo.

Giwa emphasised the paramount necessity of unwavering adherence to traffic regulations, with particular regard to unauthorised route deviations.

“This resolute directive is in alignment with the government’s overarching initiative to instill orderliness on Lagos roadways and ensure the uninterrupted flow of vehicular movement across the metropolis,” he said.

Giwa directed all ‘Korope’ operators to immediately desist from utilising unauthorised routes, underscoring that any act of defiance would attract the full weight of legal sanctions.

He further articulated that LASTMA operatives had been duly mandated to escalate enforcement strategies aimed at curbing reckless driving and unlawful practices that hinder urban mobility and disrupt the city’s traffic ecosystem.

Additionally, Giwa issued a directive against the indiscriminate occupation of public roadways for unauthorised parking and loading activities.

He said that these activities significantly aggravated traffic congestion and posed substantial risks to other road users.

He emphasised that, moving forward, all commercial operators must restrict their operations to designated bus stops and terminals to avert unwarranted impediments to vehicular circulation.

“Illegal parking and flagrant route violations have metamorphosed into a grave menace in Lagos, particularly due to the arbitrary conduct of mini bus operators.

“Such transgressions, which impede traffic fluidity and endanger public safety, will no longer be condoned.

“Furthermore, strict adherence to designated routes is imperative for security purposes, as it acts as a deterrent against unscrupulous elements who exploit commercial vehicles, particularly ‘Korope,’ for illicit activities,” he said.

NAN