By Abraham Bolo
Hon. Ayo Emmanuel’s recent outburst against Senator Sunday Karimi has generated more heat than light, exposing deep political insecurities rather than providing any meaningful contribution to the discourse on Kogi West’s political future. His attempt to demonize Senator Karimi for comments made at the Kabba Day celebration is, at best, exaggerated—and at worst, a deliberate distortion aimed at currying favour with political godfathers.
Ayo Emmanuel’s Portrayal of Karimi: Selective, Convenient, and Unfair
Hon. Ayo claims Senator Karimi’s speech was reckless. Yet, the Senator merely expressed the frustrations and aspirations of the people of Kogi West—aspirations that have long been suppressed in the name of “gentleman agreements” that seem to benefit a select few while the region continues to be sidelined.
If demanding fairness is now “reckless,” then silence must be a virtue for those who hope to maintain political patronage.
The Myth of a ‘Seamless Power Transition’
Ayo Emmanuel’s argument rests on the shaky foundation of an unwritten, untested “template” allegedly laid down by former Governor Yahaya Bello. But history has shown that political promises in Nigeria—especially unwritten ones—rarely survive a change in political winds.
To suggest that Kogi West should fold its arms until 2031 simply because a few individuals made private arrangements is not only naïve, but deeply insulting to a region that has waited decades for fair representation.
Senator Karimi’s call for Kogi West to take its destiny into its own hands is therefore neither hostile nor unpatriotic—it is a wake-up call.
Ayo Emmanuel’s Selective Memory on Representation
Hon. Ayo attempts to indict Senator Karimi by comparing him with former Senators Dino Melaye and Smart Adeyemi. But he conveniently forgets that each legislator has a different style of engagement and that achievements are not measured by the number of town halls held but by legislative impact, constituency projects, accessibility, and overall presence.
Moreover, Ayo Emmanuel is in no position to lecture anyone on representation, having never held an elective office nor delivered any tangible development to Kogi West.
The ‘Kogi West for Governor 2027’ Movement Is Not Dead
It is only frightening to those who benefit from the status quo.
Hon. Ayo wants the people to believe that agitation for 2027 is doomed, yet every street conversation, community gathering, and political analysis across Kogi West points toward one truth: the people are tired of waiting.
Senator Karimi’s position resonates because it mirrors the growing sentiment across the district—not the submissive posture promoted by Ayo Emmanuel.
On Alliances: Fearmongering, Not Political Strategy
Ayo Emmanuel’s claim that aligning with Kogi East is like “going back to Egypt” exposes a divisive mindset. In modern politics, alliances are not only necessary—they are strategic. Kogi West cannot afford to isolate itself simply because a few individuals fear losing favour with their benefactors in Kogi Central.
Kogi politics has evolved. And those who refuse to evolve with it choose irrelevance.
The 2031 Promise: A Political Fairytale
Hon. Ayo wants Kogi West to sleepwalk into 2031, believing a promise that has no legal backing, no party agreement, and no political guarantee. The idea that Governor Ododo—or anyone—can single-handedly deliver the governorship ticket to Kogi West in 2031 is unrealistic.
Politics is not built on promises; it is built on negotiation, strength, and preparedness—qualities Senator Karimi is encouraging, not suppressing.
Conclusion: Karimi Spoke the Mind of the People—Ayo Emmanuel Spoke the Mind of a Small Circle
The truth is simple:
Senator Karimi’s comments were bold, timely, and reflective of the collective frustration in Kogi West.
Hon. Ayo Emmanuel’s attack was defensive, politically motivated, and disconnected from grassroots sentiment.
The region will not be silenced into waiting until 2031.
Kogi West’s future cannot be mortgaged on the altar of personal loyalty.
Senator Karimi challenged us to rise.
Hon. Ayo Emmanuel wants us to wait.
The people of Kogi West know which path leads to progress.
– Abraham Bolo writes from Ikoyi, Ijumu local government, Kogi state.
