The Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, has stated that the ongoing controversy between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vindicated former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Bello Predicted the Dispute, Says Karimi
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja on Sunday, Karimi suggested that Bello had foreseen the current face-off between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, recalling past disputes between Bello and Akpoti-Uduaghan before the 2023 National Assembly elections.
“Former Governor Yahaya Bello must have seen it coming,” Karimi remarked, adding that despite efforts from himself and other Kogi lawmakers to prevent the state from being dragged into controversy, Akpoti-Uduaghan disregarded their advice.
He criticized her for allegedly embarrassing both Kogi State and Nigeria, stating:
“All our admonitions to her fell on deaf ears… She has not only rubbished the perception of Kogi State, but also embarrassed the entire country.”
Background: Akpoti-Uduaghan vs. Akpabio
The Senate controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment. Following the accusation, she was suspended from the Senate for allegedly violating its rules.
This dispute has further escalated political tensions in the Senate and Kogi State, adding to the legal and political challenges Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced since her election.
Tensions with Yahaya Bello and Political Challenges
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in 2023, defeating Yahaya Bello’s preferred candidate. Since then, she has faced several political and legal battles, including a recall attempt and accusations of misconduct.
With the latest controversy involving Akpabio, the political landscape in Kogi State remains highly charged, with divisions deepening within the state’s political elite.
