The vigilant eyes of the electorate, deeply committed to ensuring transparency and integrity in governance, have come to the forefront in response to recent unfounded allegations against Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents the Kogi West district. A fallacious publication dated March 10, 2026, and titled “The Fallacy of Sabatoge: Setting the Record Straight on Kogi West 2027,” has emerged.
It suggests an unsubstantiated business relationship between Karimi and Chief Jide Omokore, on one hand, and by extension with Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Minister for Petroleum under President Goodluck Jonathan. This assertion is not only deceptive and misleading; it is a calculated attempt to divert attention from the significant and commendable work that Senator Karimi has accomplished since assuming office.
The longstanding relationship between Senator Karimi and Chief Omokore is based on a personal friendship that has endured for over 50 years, predating the establishment of the Fourth Republic. Their bond is akin to that of brothers, marked by mutual respect and camaraderie, rather than any insidious business dealings. In stark contrast, the relationship between Samuel Bamidele Aro and Chief Tunde Ayeni is characterized by a more transactional, politically motivated collaboration that lacks the same personal history and depth.
It is critical to address the question of integrity in political aspirations. Samuel Bamidele Aro, who aims to compete in future elections, faces significant legal and ethical challenges. Under the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, he is deemed ineligible to run for office due to his involvement in the fuel subsidy scandal during the Jonathan administration. Aro has admitted to complicity in this scandal and has made promises to repay funds. An admission that, under the law, does not equate to exoneration but instead underscores his wholesale culpability.
Aro’s political career can be characterised as one of a political opportunist a journeyman whose incessant quest for political recognition leads him to vie for office in every electoral cycle. Yet he’s bereft of tangible and consistent record of meaningful public service. His past attempts to secure a second term in the House of Representatives were thwarted by Senator Karimi in 2011. However, Karimi not only returned to the House in 2015, he also made history as the first representative from Kogi West to achieve two consecutive terms. His exemplary performance during those terms laid the groundwork for his successful election to the Senate in 2023, where he has continued to exceed his constituents’ expectations.
Senator Karimi’s humility and unobtrusiveness do not detract from his groundbreaking achievements as foremost parliamentarian in Kogi West. From reconstructing the Government Secondary School, Kotonkarfe for a whopping N1.2Billion, to instituting an annual student bursary for indigent students across Kogi State to which he recently committed N300million, Senator Karimi’s efforts are pace-setting.
Collaborating with old students of his alma mater, Titcombe College, Egbe, Karimi has renovated the iconic school and built a modern CBTE testing centre which has been approved by the the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination Board, (JAMB). In response to security challenges in his senatorial zone, he personally built a Forward Operating Base, (FOB), capable of accommodating 100 troops in Egbe two years ago, and donated same to the Nigerian Army.
His footprints are to be found in several community efforts on infrastructure rehabilitation, construction of hospitals and impactful empowerment schemes among others, across the seven local government areas in Kogi West. The casual visitor to Kogi West is awed by the dominance of billboards and posters bearing the message *Karimi L’ekan Si,* (Karimi one more time), hoisted by admirers and supporters, to underscore just how well he has served his constituents in less than three years.
Political discourse should be anchored in substantiated evidence rather than baseless accusations that only serve to fan the flames of unnecessary conflict within the political landscape. Politics ought to be a constructive contest of ideas and proven records rather than a theatre for blackmail or the recycling of unfounded petitions.
Hon Samuel Bamidele Aro should have no issues with Senator Sunday Karimi who stands out as a reliable and principled statesman, whose character and commitment to exemplary service continue to shine through in his unwavering dedication to the people of Kogi West. Aro’s concern should be about how his procurement to run for the Senate, aligns with both the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and the Electoral Act 2026. He must also come clean about loud allegations that he is potentially a political “hawk” by day, and an “owl” at night, in relation to his “membership” of the APC and “friendship” with ADC movers and shakers.
Busayo Tosin
Media Officer to Senator Sunday Karimi Representing Kogi West Senatorial Zone
Chairman, Senate Committee on Services