Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has hit back at her Kogi West counterpart, Senator Sunday Karimi, by calling for routine drug testing for senators by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Her remarks come in response to Karimi’s sharp criticism of her recent actions in the Senate, which he described as a “complete mess and an embarrassment.”
The dispute follows a confrontation between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which led Karimi to publicly express his disapproval. He lamented that despite repeated warnings and advice, Senator Natasha’s actions had allegedly disgraced Kogi State and the nation as a whole.
“All of our warnings to her were ignored. Therefore, it might be accepted that previous Governor Yahaya Bello anticipated it,” Karimi said, implying that Natasha’s conduct was predictable. He further asserted that her behavior had not only tarnished Kogi State’s reputation but had also embarrassed the entire country.
In a swift response, Senator Natasha issued a statement on Sunday, arguing that mandatory drug testing for senators could help prevent erratic legislative behavior.
“The NDLEA must test senators on a regular basis,” she stated. “One approach to preventing unpredictable legislative hallucinations in parliament is to ensure lawmakers are not under the influence of substances that impair judgment.”
Her proposal echoes a broader initiative by the NDLEA chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, who has previously advocated for drug integrity tests as a prerequisite for political candidates. The idea has already gained traction in some parts of Nigeria, notably in Kano State, where the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) requires councillorship and chairmanship candidates to undergo drug tests before contesting elections.
Senator Natasha’s remarks have reignited debates about the role of substance use in governance and legislative decision-making. She emphasized that expanding drug testing to senators would help uphold the integrity of the legislative process, ensuring that critical decisions affecting Nigerians are made with a clear and rational mind.
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“The NDLEA can contribute to preserving the integrity of the legislative process and preventing choices taken while under the influence of drugs,” she stated. “Better representation for Nigerians and more efficient governance may result from this action.”
Her comments have sparked mixed reactions among political observers and citizens. While some see her call as a much-needed reform to promote accountability in the National Assembly, others view it as a direct attack on her critics.
Senator Karimi has yet to formally respond to Natasha’s latest remarks, but his initial statements suggest he remains deeply concerned about the image and conduct of lawmakers from Kogi State. The ongoing rift between the two senators highlights deeper tensions within the Senate, particularly as the nation faces mounting governance challenges.
As this controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the NDLEA or the Senate leadership will take any steps toward implementing mandatory drug testing for lawmakers. For now, Senator Natasha’s proposal has added another layer to the growing debate on political ethics and accountability in Nigeria.
