Kogi commissioner warns against linking her to video depicting thuggery

By Thompson Yamput

Kogi Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Rabitu Okwute, has warned that she would not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or media platforms linking her to a viral video depicting political thuggery.

Group of youths were seen in the video allegedly destroying an opposition party office in Dekina Local Government Area.

The youths who claimed that they were acting on behalf of the Kogi government, threatened violence against anyone providing office space to opposition political parties in the area.

There are some reports that the youths were sponsored by Okwute.

But in a statement issued Friday in Lokoja, Okwute denied sponsoring or knowing those in the video

She described attempt to link her to the video as “false, wicked, and baseless.”

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of those individuals in that video. I do not know them, did not send or support them,” Okwute said in the statement.

She described the allegations as a calculated attempt to tarnish her image, especially during a personal period of mourning following the recent death of her husband.

“I am still mourning my husband who died in August. I’ve barely been seen in public, much less involved in any political activity. Why should I not be allowed to mourn in peace?”

Okwute said the viral claim was being pushed by political enemies who were uncomfortable with her growing influence in the state, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

She warned that she would not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or media platforms making defamatory claims without verifiable evidence linking her to political violence.

“I will not hesitate to pursue justice through the courts. No one should link me to thuggery without facts.

“I have built a name through service and sacrifice,” she stated.

In spite of the controversy, the commissioner reaffirmed her loyalty to the APC and the people of Dekina, promising continued service rooted in peace, unity, and people-centered leadership.

“I remain a woman of virtue, not division. My focus is peace, progress, and purposeful leadership.

“No blackmail will derail that mission,” she said.

(NAN)