Political Tension Escalates in Kogi as Lawmakers Exchange Heated Words
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate has sparked a major political firestorm in Kogi State, with Senator Sunday Karimi backing the decision and accusing her of bringing embarrassment to the state. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has fired back, challenging the rationale behind her suspension and calling for drug tests for senators to ensure more rational decision-making in the Senate.
As political tensions mount, the controversy has intensified rivalries within the state’s political circles and raised questions about power struggles in Nigeria’s National Assembly. Will this be the beginning of a larger political battle in Kogi and beyond?
Karimi Defends Senate’s Decision: ‘Natasha’s Suspension Was Necessary’
Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has openly defended the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan. Speaking to journalists on Sunday, he stated that the suspension was justified and that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct had tarnished Kogi’s reputation on a national scale.
“All our advice to her fell on deaf ears. One can therefore not come to terms with the fact that Yahaya Bello saw this coming,” Karimi said, referring to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who had previously raised concerns about Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suitability for the Red Chamber.
According to Karimi, the senator’s actions in the Senate were not only embarrassing but had also put Kogi in a difficult position in terms of political perception.
“Senator Natasha has not only rubbished the state, but from the events happening now and what is on the ground all over the federation, Kogi is in a real mess in terms of perception,” he added.
Karimi also revealed that he had personally attempted to mediate the crisis before it escalated into a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, but his efforts were ignored.
“I reached out to her multiple times to calm the situation before it got out of hand, but unfortunately, she refused to listen. Now, we are left with this embarrassing situation that could have been avoided,” Karimi concluded.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Responds: ‘Senators Should Take Drug Tests’
Not one to back down, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan responded with strong criticism of the Senate’s actions. Through her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, she dismissed Karimi’s accusations as baseless and called for drug integrity tests to be conducted on all Nigerian lawmakers.
“NDLEA needs to conduct periodic tests on senators. That singular process will save the parliament from erratic legislative hallucinations,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that drug tests in politics were not a new concept, pointing to similar calls made by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), who had previously advocated for mandatory drug screenings for political aspirants. She also referenced the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, which had introduced drug tests for candidates seeking chairmanship and councillorship positions in local government elections.
“By extending this practice to senators, the NDLEA can help maintain the integrity of the legislative process and prevent decisions made under the influence of substances. This move could lead to more effective governance and better representation for Nigerians,” she added.
Her suggestion has since sparked national debate, with many Nigerians questioning whether drug tests should become a requirement for those serving in public office.
The Root of the Controversy: What Led to Natasha’s Suspension?
The political battle between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been brewing for weeks. Reports indicate that her suspension stemmed from a heated confrontation with Akpabio during a plenary session, although specific details remain shrouded in controversy.
While some lawmakers support her suspension, others believe it was politically motivated and an attempt to silence dissent within the Senate.
Key Issues at the Heart of the Conflict:
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s vocal criticism of Senate leadership
Allegations of misconduct and disrespect toward Akpabio
The growing division between opposition and ruling party lawmakers
For many political analysts, this clash highlights deeper power struggles within the National Assembly, particularly between those loyal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and those pushing for stronger opposition voices.
Political Fallout: What’s Next for Akpoti-Uduaghan?
As the controversy deepens, several key questions remain unanswered:
Will Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenge her suspension in court?
Will the Senate consider her proposal for mandatory drug testing?
How will this conflict impact Kogi’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections?
Could Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension be reversed due to mounting public pressure?
Her supporters have vowed to fight back, calling the suspension unfair and urging her to seek legal redress. Meanwhile, her opponents insist that her conduct was unbecoming of a senator and that the suspension was a necessary disciplinary measure.
Potential Scenarios Moving Forward:
Legal Action: Akpoti-Uduaghan may challenge her suspension in court, arguing that it was politically motivated.
Public Backlash: If public sentiment turns in her favor, there may be calls for the Senate to reconsider its decision.
Further Political Fallout: The clash could deepen the political divide within the National Assembly, affecting upcoming legislative decisions.
2027 Election Impact: The controversy could shape Kogi’s political dynamics ahead of the next general elections, influencing voter sentiment.
As the drama unfolds, all eyes remain on Akpoti-Uduaghan, Karimi, Akpabio, and the Senate leadership, as Nigerians eagerly watch how this political battle will play out.
A Defining Moment in Kogi Politics?
The battle between Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Sunday Karimi is not just a personal feud—it reflects the growing tensions within Nigerian politics and the increasing power struggles in the Senate.
Read also: Amnesty International Calls for Investigation into Senator Natasha’s Allegations Against Akpabio
Her call for drug tests for senators has added a new dimension to the debate, raising critical questions about accountability, integrity, and the standards expected from Nigerian lawmakers.
Will this controversy die down, or is it just the beginning of a bigger political storm? Only time will tell.
