• Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
• Her accusations, suspension has brought disgrace to Kogi — Lawmaker
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, and Kogi West Senator Sunday Karimi were embroiled in a heated dispute on Sunday regarding her suspension from the Senate.
Karimi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defended the suspension, labeling it as both justified and necessary in light of the controversy surrounding Natasha’s actions. He contended that the incident leading to her suspension was not only embarrassing but also brought shame to Kogi State.
In a statement to the media, Karimi asserted that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behavior had confirmed the concerns previously raised by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello about her fitness for the Senate.
“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 Natasha 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.
