Karimi: Natasha’s behavior validates her call for periodic drug tests – Group
By Yahaya Idris
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has faced significant criticism and controversy following her suspension from the Senate for alleged misconduct.
Her call for periodic drug tests for lawmakers has drawn attention, particularly after Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West described her actions as embarrassing and justified her suspension.
Karimi also suggested that Natasha disputes validate former Governor Yahaya Bello’s earlier concerns about her.
The controversy has intensified as groups in Kogi Central have initiated a recall process against Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing dissatisfaction with her performance and representation.
They allege she has failed to address critical issues like poverty and infrastructure and accuse her of abandoning constituents during her suspension.
However, some supporters argue her suspension is illegal and politically motivated, demanding her reinstatement.
Kogi West indigenes have criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct since her suspension from the Senate, particularly her refusal to comply with a seating arrangement rule.
They argue that her behavior validates her own call for periodic drug tests for senators to ensure they are not under the influence of substances. Her suspension followed allegations of misconduct, including defiance of Senate rules and accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which were dismissed on procedural grounds
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call for periodic drug tests for lawmakers has sparked reactions, particularly from constituents and fellow senators. This proposal came after Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West criticized her conduct, citing her refusal to comply with a Senate seating arrangement rule and her suspension over alleged misconduct. Karimi argued that her behavior justified the need for such tests, suggesting it could address “erratic legislative hallucinations” as Akpoti-Uduaghan described.
The controversy stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension following accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her public challenges to Senate procedures. Critics, including Karimi, claim her actions have embarrassed the Senate and validate concerns raised by former Governor Yahaya Bello about her suitability for office.
Meanwhile, supporters argue that her suspension was politically motivated and demand fairness in addressing the matter.
The Kogi West Patriotic Assembly, led by Chairman Ayodele Joshua and Secretary Kareem Adigun, in a statement regarding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call for drug tests for senators. The Assembly believes her conduct warrants such a test
Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West stated that former Governor Yahaya Bello had been vindicated by the embarrassment Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan brought to the Senate and Nigeria. This followed her controversial conduct, including refusal to obey seating arrangements and accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which led to her suspension. Karimi argued that Bello’s earlier concerns about her suitability for office were justified, as her actions have caused ridicule for the state and the nation
Kogi West indigenes have urged Senator Sunday Karimi not to engage in a war of words with suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. They emphasized that they are well-positioned to respond appropriately to Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“The embattled senator’s advice is in order, considering the fact that her conduct since she refused to obey a simple sitting arrangement rule at the Senate, has truly called for a drug test to ascertain if she is free from the influence of substance.
“Or how else can one explain the ridiculous things she has been saying from one media house to the other, both in Nigeria and abroad, to authenticate her spurious allegations against the Senate President? We need to be sure that she is the one saying those things and not someone under the influence of some substance.
“We identify with our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers from Kogi Central at this trying period. The disgrace a so-called daughter of the land has brought is not to them alone but to the entire State.
“If a woman of her age can be going from one international platform to the other, shouting sexual harassment against the Number 3 citizen of a country as populous and influential as Nigeria, with no iota of proof, then Nigerians need to really accept the fact that drug tests must be carried out on every aspiring Senator so that we would always avoid swearing in the wrong characters.
“Even Nigerian women are unanimous in their position that they must be wary of those they elect into sensitive positions and by virtue of this, become role models for their children. Forget about those who would never see anything good in their country.
“Previous actions and false accusations by this same suspended Senator against other personalities have shown that she is not fit to hold such position. The recall process should be followed through so she can at least learn and also represent her people better next time.”
“Senator Karimi should not join words with the suspended Senator. We will respond appropriately on his behalf. With her unfounded allegations, resort to cheap propaganda in the media against dissenting voices, and ridiculous kindergarten statements that shouldn’t even be uttered by people in their right frame of mind, it is clear that she should be the first person to take her proposed drug test,” the Kogi West indigenes declared.
