Kogi West Youth Group Carpets Karimi Over Divisive Comment
A political pressure group in Kogi West Senatorial District, Kogi West Youth for Change (KWYC), has criticised Senator Sunday Karimi over alleged attempts to turn public opinion against Local Government Councils in Kogi State, warning that his actions could undermine the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of future elections.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemi Olurotimi, the group faulted the Senator’s reported claim that each Local Government Area in the state receives an average of ₦500 million monthly from the Federation Account, arguing that such statements could create unnecessary tension between residents and their elected council chairmen.
KWYC maintained that Local Government Councils in the state had demonstrated strong commitment to tackling insecurity and deserved support rather than what it described as politically motivated criticism.
“Security is expensive, and protecting lives and property requires substantial financial commitment. The Local Government Chairmen are working alongside the State Government and security agencies to make our communities safer. Political leaders should support these efforts instead of making statements capable of creating distrust between the people and their elected representatives,” the statement said.
The group also recalled that Senator Karimi had reportedly declared at a function in Kabba that the governorship of Kogi State should go to Kogi West, describing the position as premature given that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is still in his first term.
According to KWYC, political ambition must be pursued with discipline and respect for the party’s processes, warning that personal interests should not be allowed to create divisions within the APC.
The group further questioned the Senator’s alleged political activities outside his immediate constituency, including reported scholarship interventions for students in Kogi East and “pretentious” efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the district.
While acknowledging that supporting students outside one’s constituency could be a positive gesture, KWYC alleged that some of the Senator’s supporters were backing opposition candidates in House of Representatives and Kogi State House of Assembly elections within Kogi West.
“It is politically self-defeating for anyone to weaken the very platform on which he stands for election. The APC is built on collective effort, shared responsibility and loyalty. Anyone seeking re-election should be at the forefront of strengthening the party, not engaging in activities that could undermine its electoral prospects,” the statement added.
The group warned that such alleged activities, if established, could hurt the Senator’s own political interests and weaken the party’s grassroots structures in Kogi West.
KWYC expressed support for the Local Government Chairmen, commending their efforts to address security challenges and calling for stronger collaboration among the State Government, councils, security agencies and community leaders.
“While the State Government and Local Government Councils are working hard to make our communities safer, we cannot afford to allow political considerations to undermine these efforts. The fight against insecurity requires resources, intelligence, operational coordination and the support of the people,” the statement read.
The group urged Senator Karimi to exercise restraint in his public comments and use established party structures to address disagreements, rather than engage in actions capable of deepening divisions.
KWYC reaffirmed its support for Governor Ododo’s security efforts and called on APC leaders to prioritise party unity, public safety and the welfare of the people.
“We won’t allow anyone to destroy the unity of our party in Kogi State. Kogi West deserves responsible leadership, our communities deserve security, and the APC deserves the loyalty and commitment of all those elected on its platform,” the group declared.
