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Senator Karimi to Egbe Traditional Chiefs: Leave Me Out of Your Micro- Chieftaincy Tussle, Allow Me to Concentrate on My Work for Kogi West Masses
The media team of the Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi has denounced sponsored media attacks on the lawmaker by some traditional rulers in Egbe, Yagba West Local Council, Kogi State.
The chiefs at a press conference in Lokoja, Kogi State capital on Friday, addressed by Oba Adedoyin Bolaji, the Ighare of Okoa and others, which some social media outlets reported, accused Karimi of meddling in the selection of a new Ighare of Ijalu.
In one of the publications arising from the press conference (as reported by an online news outlet), tilted “Traditional Stool: “Save Our Soul” Monarchs Pleads With Gov Ododo To Prevail On Sen Karimi”, the chiefs further accused Karimi of “oppression and intimidation” and physical assaults by suspected thugs allegedly sponsored by Karimi and his preferred candidate.
Reacting, Karimi’s media team in a statement in Lokoja on Saturday described the content of Friday’s press release as a “piece of thrash” and a failed bid by the chiefs to drag the good name of the lawmaker into micro-Egbe community chieftaincyincy disputes, in other score cheap popularity.
Noting that ordinarily, the publication should not deserve the lawmaker’s time and response, nevertheless, “while some of the stories were laughable and deserve no further reference, others bordered on pure mischief calculated to draw Senator Karimi into chieftaincy struggles within Egbe community in other tovscore cheap popularity, to dsteact him and also distract attention from his good work to the generality of Kogi West constituents”.
The statement added: “The allegations directed at Senator Karimi in the unverified online news publication is a piece of thrash. It seems they are quick to overlook the significant contributions he has made, including the millions invested in student bursaries and loans for market women, not to mention the substantial funds allocated to the establishment of the FOB, Egbe. Residents within Egbe community as well as the general public are hereby urged to shun the shenanigans of all those that are behind the fake news, including the veneered attempt to cause disaffection between the Chief Servant and Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo and Distinguished Senator Sunday Karimi.
“Senator Sunday Steve Karimi and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo have worked assiduously for the masses, their performances in their respective capacities have not only met the aspiration of the masses but duly applauded by the masses. This is a trait that both leaders have in common, that can not be easily distorted, not even through the resort to blackmail by a few.
“The distinguished Senator Karimi is known for invisible noise but visible and tangible results. His nature of politics habors thuggery and violence. Presently, Senator Karimi is absorbed in activities to help him deliver more on his campaign promises to his constituents who spread over seven local government areas and 300 communities, and as such, he is too busy to allow himself to be distracted. Next in line in the busy calendar of the Distinguished Senator Karimi is his maiden Kogi West constituency briefing slated for November.
“However, Senator Karimi condemned any acts that will cause panic and confusion within the rank and file of the traditional institution across the senatorial district, Egbe Traditional Council inclusive. He called on security agencies to take enforcement measures to maintain peace and security in the region in accordance with the laws and without bias. He also noted that anyone found to have contravened the laws should be investigated and prosecuted accordingly, irrespective of their status”.
In a related development, also on Saturday, Senator Karimi was quoted in another online newspaper as warning unnamed individuals against dragging his name into chieftaincy disputes in Egbe community. Karimi stated that these individuals are only attempting to achieve cheap popularity and emphasized that he has no personal interest in who occupies the chieftaincy position in Egbe, nor does he plan to interfere in such matters.
Senator Karimi expressed that his primary responsibility is to provide quality representation for all the people of Kogi West Senatorial District while fulfilling his legislative duties at the National Assembly. He stressed that interfering in community matters that already have established rules and regulations regarding succession would be a disservice to his constituents.
“I am focused on ensuring that critical projects such as the repair of the Kabba – Egbe – Ilorin, Kabba – Omuo, and Aiyegunle – Iluke – Kiri – Eggan roads are completed. I’m also working on the ongoing remodeling of GSS Koton Karfe and the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the seven local governments in Kogi West. With all these commitments, I simply don’t have the time to get involved in community chieftaincy issues.”
Senator Karimi further highlighted that he represents eighty-five wards and numerous communities at the national level. He questioned how it would make sense for him to abandon his larger responsibilities for a matter that should be resolved by the community elders. He also mentioned his initiative to establish a Military Forward Operating Base in Egbe to combat insecurity in the area, reinforcing his commitment to peace and development for both the community and the region as a whole.
The senator concluded by urging the public to recognize that he does not engage in any form of violence, thuggery, or other social vices, and he has certainly not sent any thugs to attack anyone over the chieftaincy dispute. He reiterated that the people should focus on resolving their issues without involving his name.
