The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Kogi West Senator, Sunday Karimi, engaged in a heated exchange on Sunday over her suspension from the Senate.
Karimi, a lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress (APC), defended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, describing it as justified and necessary due to the controversy surrounding her actions in the Senate. He argued that the incident that led to her suspension was embarrassing and had brought disgrace to Kogi State.
In a statement to journalists, Karimi claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct had validated former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s concerns about her suitability for the Red Chamber.
“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.
“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 further stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan ignored his attempts to mediate the situation before it escalated to a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which ultimately led to her suspension.
Reacting to Karimi’s remarks, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed his claims and called for periodic drug tests for senators. She suggested that such tests, conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), would help prevent irrational decision-making in the Senate.
“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 argued that drug integrity tests were not a new concept, pointing to NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa’s earlier advocacy for such screenings for political aspirants. She also referenced a similar initiative by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, which conducted drug tests for chairmanship and councillorship candidates.
“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.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended following a confrontation with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, a development that has fueled political tensions in Kogi State and beyond.
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