Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, and Kogi West Senator Sunday Karimi had a heated argument on Sunday over her suspension from the Senate.
Karimi, a lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress, defended the suspension, saying it was necessary because of the controversy surrounding her actions in the Senate. He argued that the incident leading to her suspension was embarrassing and had brought shame to Kogi State.
Speaking to journalists, Karimi claimed that Akpoti Uduaghan’s behavior proved that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was right to question her suitability for the Senate.
“She ignored all our advice. It is now clear that Yahaya Bello saw this coming,” Karimi said.
“Senator Natasha has not only embarrassed the state, but with everything happening now across the country, Kogi is in a difficult position when it comes to public perception.”
He also said that Akpoti Uduaghan refused to listen to his efforts to resolve the situation before it escalated into a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which ultimately led to her suspension.
In response, Akpoti Uduaghan dismissed Karimi’s claims and called for regular drug tests for senators. She suggested that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency should conduct these tests to prevent irrational decision-making in the Senate.
“The NDLEA needs to conduct periodic drug tests on senators. This simple step will protect the parliament from reckless and irrational decisions,” she said in a statement through her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo.
She explained that drug tests for politicians are not a new idea, pointing out that NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Buba Marwa had previously suggested similar screenings for political aspirants. She also mentioned that the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission had conducted drug tests for candidates contesting chairmanship and councillorship positions.
“If senators are also tested, it will help maintain the integrity of the legislative process and ensure better decision-making. This will lead to more effective governance and better representation for Nigerians,” she added.
Akpoti Uduaghan was suspended after her clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, an event that has further intensified political tensions in Kogi State and beyond.