Senator Natasha Fires Back at Karimi, Calls for Regular Drug Tests for Lawmakers
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called for regular drug tests for members of the National Assembly following critical remarks made about her by Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West. The exchange comes amid an ongoing dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which has drawn significant attention within and outside the Senate.
Karimi, in a statement to journalists in Lokoja, suggested that recent developments involving Akpoti-Uduaghan in the Senate have vindicated former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, whom she had previously accused of misconduct. Karimi claimed that Bello “must have seen it coming” and implied that the former governor may not have been at fault for the issues Akpoti-Uduaghan raised before her election to the National Assembly.
“Other Kogi lawmakers and I played major roles in ensuring that the state was not brought to ridicule, but no amount of reasoning could prevail. Our intervention was rebuffed,” Karimi said, referencing the ongoing tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate leadership.
Akpoti-Uduaghan recently made headlines after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that led to her six-month suspension from the Senate for alleged misconduct. In response to Karimi’s comments, she fired back, suggesting that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should conduct periodic drug tests on senators. “NDLEA needs to conduct periodic tests on senators. That singular process will save the parliament from erratic legislative hallucinations,” she stated.
The call for drug tests underscores the deepening rift within the Senate and highlights the personal and political tensions that have characterized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s tenure. Her suspension and the allegations against Akpabio have sparked debates about accountability, transparency, and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics.
Karimi’s remarks have further fueled the controversy, with his defense of former Governor Yahaya Bello adding another layer to the ongoing political drama in Kogi State. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s response, however, shifts the focus to the conduct and mental state of lawmakers, suggesting that erratic behavior in the Senate may be linked to substance abuse.
The exchange between the two senators reflects broader challenges within Nigeria’s political landscape, including the need for greater accountability, ethical conduct, and gender sensitivity in governance. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call for drug tests has also sparked discussions about the mental and physical well-being of public officials, particularly in high-stress environments like the National Assembly.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the standards of behavior expected from lawmakers and the mechanisms in place to address misconduct. The situation also highlights the need for robust conflict resolution processes within legislative bodies to prevent personal disputes from overshadowing the work of governance.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bold stance and her call for drug testing have positioned her as a vocal advocate for reform, even as she faces significant political challenges. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the Senate’s credibility and the broader fight for accountability in Nigerian politics.
The ongoing tensions serve as a reminder of the complexities of political leadership and the importance of fostering a culture of respect, transparency, and integrity within Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
