Emmanuel Ikpeama
A Kogi West-based political group, Kogi West Youth for Change (KWYC), has criticized Senator Sunday Karimi over his recent comments on Local Government allocations, saying the remarks could undermine grassroots governance and create disaffection within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemi Olurotimi, the group took exception to the Senator’s alleged claim that each Local Government Area in Kogi State receives an average of ₦500 million monthly from the Federation Account.
According to KWYC, such public declaration is capable of inciting residents against their elected council chairmen and fueling distrust at the grassroots.
The group argued that Local Government Councils in the state have shown commitment to tackling insecurity and need support, noting that security operations are capital intensive and require huge resources.
“Security is expensive. Protecting lives and property demands substantial financial commitment. The Chairmen are working with the State Government and security agencies to secure our communities. Leaders should support that effort rather than make statements that create distrust,” the statement said.
KWYC also faulted Senator Karimi’s reported declaration in Kabba that the Kogi governorship should come to Kogi West, describing it as premature and capable of heating up the polity while Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is still serving his first term.
The group further questioned the Senator’s alleged political engagements outside Kogi West, including scholarship interventions in Kogi East and mobilization activities for President Bola Tinubu in that axis, while alleging that some of his supporters were backing opposition candidates for House of Representatives and State Assembly seats in Kogi West.
“It is politically self-defeating to weaken the platform on which you seek re-election. The APC thrives on collective effort and loyalty. Anyone seeking re-election should strengthen the party, not undermine its prospects,” the group stated.
The youth group expressed support for the Local Government Chairmen and commended their collaboration with the state government and security agencies to improve security, calling for greater synergy among all stakeholders.
It urged Senator Karimi to channel any grievances through established party structures and exercise restraint in public comments to preserve party unity.
KWYC went further to reaffirm its support for Governor Ododo’s security drive and called on APC leaders to prioritize unity, public safety and the welfare of the people.
“We won’t allow anyone to destroy the unity of our party. Kogi West deserves responsible leadership, our communities deserve security, and the APC deserves loyalty from all elected on its platform,” the group declared.
