Utweets
The political heat in Kogi State intensified on Sunday as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) and Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) clashed over her controversial suspension from the Senate....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>
Karimi, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), defended the Senate’s decision, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct was an embarrassment and justified her removal. He further argued that her suspension validated former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s skepticism about her suitability for the Red Chamber.
“All our advice to her fell on deaf ears. Yahaya Bello saw this coming,” Karimi told journalists.
“Senator Natasha has not only tarnished the image of our state, but Kogi is now grappling with a serious reputation crisis.”
Karimi also revealed that he attempted to mediate the situation before it spiraled into a direct confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which ultimately led to her suspension.
Natasha Fires Back, Demands Drug Tests for Senators
In a swift and fiery response, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed Karimi’s claims, arguing that irrational decision-making in the Senate could be curbed through mandatory drug tests for lawmakers.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) needs to conduct periodic tests on senators. That singular process will save the parliament from erratic legislative hallucinations,” she stated through her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo.
She pointed out that drug integrity tests were already being implemented in some political institutions, citing NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa’s advocacy for similar screenings among political aspirants, as well as the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission’s policy of testing candidates for local government positions.
“Extending this practice to senators will ensure the integrity of legislative decisions and prevent governance from being dictated by compromised minds,” she added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, triggered by her face-off with Senate President Akpabio, has further deepened political tensions in Kogi State and sparked intense debate across the country…CONTINUE READING>>>
