By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Concerned stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Lokoja Local Government Area have distanced themselves from a recent press conference held against Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, describing the action as coerced and not a reflection of the position of party members at the grassroots.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group alleged that the press briefing was forcefully imposed on members of the APC executive in Lokoja by a few disgruntled individuals pursuing personal and political interests.
According to the stakeholders, some executive members had privately admitted that the so-called vote of no confidence against the senator did not represent the true position of either the APC Lokoja executive or the wider membership of the party in the area.
They further called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what they described as attempts to frustrate loyal supporters of the President in Kogi West.
âThe time for President Tinubu to step in is now. There is desperation in Kogi West by powers that be to gain cheap political popularity. Enough is enough. Senator Karimi has come to equity with clean hands. Let him be. His second term is sacrosanct considering his work, popularity, and the aspirations of the people,â the statement read.
The stakeholders maintained that Senator Karimi remains the most qualified and effective representative for Kogi West, citing what they described as unprecedented interventions across Lokoja LGA.
They listed some of the senatorâs achievements to include flood relief materials and financial support for victims in Lokoja, reconstruction of the Lokoja Fish Market, assistance to victims of the boat mishap in Kupa, scholarships for students, and the establishment of a Computer-Based Test centre at Moslem Community Secondary School in Lokoja.
Other projects highlighted include employment opportunities for indigenes in federal establishments, empowerment programmes for women cooperatives, construction of motorized boreholes, support for churches and mosques, healthcare outreach programmes, and youth skill acquisition initiatives.
The group said the senatorâs interventions had benefited residents across religious, ethnic, and political lines without discrimination.
They urged genuine APC members in Lokoja to disregard the earlier statement and remain united behind the party and its elected representatives.
âSenator Karimiâs record of service speaks for itself, and we stand firmly in support of his continued leadership for Kogi West,â the statement added.
The statement was signed by Hon. Danladi Tuguwa Nalado and Hon. Mojilade Ibiniwa Ajomoh.
