2027: Karimi’s Record of Service Speaks Louder

By DSSK News Desk

The recent statement issued by the camp of Zakari Ola, dismissing the endorsement of Senator Sunday Steve Karimi by the Indigenous People of Lokoja (IPL), is not only unfortunate but also deeply misleading. Instead of presenting their candidate’s vision or record, Ola’s handlers resorted to ridicule, poor grammar, and political name-calling that adds no value to public discourse.

To begin with, the Indigenous People of Lokoja (IPL) is not a group of idle men “gathering under a mango tree,” as Ola’s camp wrongly alleged. The IPL is a duly registered association with well-defined aims and objectives, boasting membership across all ten wards of Lokoja Local Government. To belittle such an association is to insult the collective will of Lokoja indigenes, many of whom have stood by their community for decades in matters of social development, culture, and politics.

More importantly, the facts on the ground speak for Senator Karimi. His interventions in Lokoja and Kogi West are visible and verifiable. Over twenty solar-powered boreholes have been installed across Lokoja, electricity transformers distributed to several wards, and the construction of a cottage hospital in Edo, Kakanda Ward, Lokoja II is ongoing. The recently awarded fencing of the Adankolo Police Station is another example of his commitment to community security. These are not mere token gestures; they are tangible projects that improve lives daily.

In addition, Senator Karimi has consistently stood with Lokoja people during crises and periods of need. He donated ₦10 million to victims of the Ebwa Kupa crisis, undertook the rehabilitation of the Lokoja Fish Market, and supported farmers with fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides to boost agricultural productivity. On the economic front, he has empowered 1,000 traders with ₦100,000 each, supported 400 members of the Lokoja Arewa Traders Union with millions of naira, and disbursed ₦100 million to 50 cooperative groups after proper training. Lokoja alone benefited from ₦15 million given to five cooperative societies. These are structured empowerment initiatives, not the “stomach infrastructure” caricature painted by Ola’s media team.

Even within party politics, Senator Karimi has proven his loyalty and strength. Ahead of the last local government elections, he released ₦27.5 million to support APC candidates across the seven local governments of Kogi West funds that reached chairmanship, vice-chairmanship, and councillorship candidates. This is not “greasing palms,” as alleged, but practical support for party building and grassroots democracy.

On the national stage, Karimi has been a vocal and respected voice in the Senate. After the tragic trailer accident in Felele that claimed the lives of Federal University Lokoja students, he raised the matter on the floor of the Senate and pressed for federal action on road safety. He has spoken on several issues affecting Kogi West and Nigeria at large, ensuring that the voice of his people is not lost in Abuja.

For all these reasons, the Indigenous People of Lokoja (IPL) and indeed many well-meaning Lokoja indigenes believe Karimi should be allowed to complete his second term, bringing his service to eight years, after which posterity can judge him fairly and the senatorial seat can rotate to Lokoja-Koto. This is a responsible, forward-looking position that places community interest above political bitterness.

Ola’s media handlers may choose to insult, but they cannot erase the facts. Karimi has delivered boreholes, hospitals, empowerment, relief, and political stability. The people can see it, feel it, and benefit from it. If all Ola’s team can offer is ridicule, then it is clear who truly represents the future of Lokoja.

Senator Sunday Steve Karimi has started well, and with the people’s continued support, he will finish even stronger.