Kogi East elites reaffirm support for Gov Ododo, dismiss Karimi’s claims

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Kogi East Elites Forum has criticized Senator Sunday Karimi for his comments during the 2025 Kabba Day Celebration, labeling them “unguided” and threatening to Kogi State’s peace and unity.

The group, through its spokesperson Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Rajab, warned Karimi to avoid statements that could jeopardize Kogi State’s peace and unity.

Contrary to Senator Karimi’s opinion, the Kogi East Elites distanced the region from any arrangement with the Okun people (Kogi West) to oust Governor Usman Ododo from office in 2027.

The group further urged the people of Kogi state to disregard Karimi’s fallacies and at the same time, tagged the Senator a deceptive agent.

“As a federal lawmaker, Karimi is supposed to be mindful of his utterances and not say or do anything to overheat the polity. The people of Kogi East are not dullards; we clearly know what is good for us and what is good for Kogi State as a whole. In furtherance of this admonition, Kogites should be wary of deceptive agents like Karimi ahead of the 2027 general elections because he is positioning himself for his own interest, not the interest of the good people of Kogi West and Kogi State.”

The Elites Forum also pledged loyalty to the incumbent leadership of the state by reaffirming its support for Governor Usman Ododo ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.

“The forum would like to make it abundantly clear to Senator Karimi that his statements are mere figments of his imagination, as Kogi State is now resolute and united behind His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, come 2027. Our Governor has displayed the highest level of humility, responsiveness, and exceptional administrative acumen”

“Through his resilience, the Governor is working to establish industrial parks and free trade zones to catalyze industrialization; the airport project design has been completed in record time; the ongoing construction of an international market in Lokoja will boost commercial activities and generate employment for our teeming youths”

“His landmark introduction of free education; revitalization and equipping of primary health care centers across the state; prompt payment of salaries to civil servants and pensions to retirees; scholarships to students in tertiary institutions; infrastructure development in roads, water, and educational sectors; and his sincere fight against insecurity is second to none.”

The forum appealed to President Bola Tinubu to disregard Karimi’s divisive comments, stating that Kogi’s senatorial districts are harmonious.

They also called on Kogites to support Governor Ododo’s completion of his 8-year tenure.