Police Now APC’s ‘Attack Dog’ – Natasha Fires At Security Forces

The association criticized the Police for allegedly acting as a “lapdog” and “attack dog” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in light of the recent attempt to disrupt a homecoming event organized for Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. HURIWA accused the Police of colluding with the Kogi State government in a reckless display of power abuse.

In a statement, the group expressed shock at the actions of the Kogi State government, led by Governor Usman Ododo, which reportedly tried to hinder Senator Natasha from visiting her hometown and interacting with her constituents.

“HURIWA is deeply concerned that the Nigeria Police Force, a constitutional institution meant to uphold the public good, has instead transformed into an ‘attack dog’ and even degraded into the ‘lapdog’ of the APC.

“Why should the Kogi State Police Command follow the political orders of the APC governor without question, thereby violating the Police Act and infringing upon Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s basic rights—freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, and expression?” HURIWA questioned.

The association called for an investigation into the conduct of the Kogi State Commissioner of Police.

Reports indicate that just two days before Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned homecoming, the Kogi State Government abruptly imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing alleged security threats. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, explained that the ban was based on intelligence suggesting potential unrest.

On the same day, the Kogi State Police Command directed Senator Natasha to cancel her rally, citing intelligence reports of possible disruption by hoodlums. Police spokesman William Aya stated that the command could not risk endangering the current peace.

However, HURIWA dismissed these justifications as a “primitive and unconstitutional misuse of police authority,” accusing the Police of becoming a political tool for the APC.

“The Kogi State Police Command has reduced itself to the ‘official lapdog’ and ‘attack dog’ of the APC. Such behavior is disgraceful and unacceptable,” the statement concluded.

Despite the opposition, Senator Natasha went ahead with her rally, while the state government labeled her actions as reckless and a potential threat to public order.