Commander Duro Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), the Kogi State Security Adviser, has cautioned Senator Sunday Karimi against playing divisive politics that could undermine the unity, growth, and political relevance of Kogi West.
In a statement on Thursday, Omodara dismissed recent publications issued by a certain Prof. Daniel Bonire on behalf of an unknown “Kogi West Group,” describing them as sponsored attempts to distort facts and malign his reputation. He said he felt compelled to respond in order to shield the public from misinformation.
Omodara recalled that Kogi West has consistently demonstrated loyalty and political maturity by aligning with other districts over the years; yet, such goodwill has often been met with betrayal and political marginalization.
He said the zone must now learn from past experiences and pursue strategic, sincere engagement with other districts if it stands a chance of producing a governor in the future.
While highlighting his long record of service under successive administrations, Omodara expressed disappointment that at a time when the Ododo administration is consolidating peace and development, Senator Karimi has allegedly chosen a confrontational path that offers no benefit to the people.
He insisted that “eloquent grammar doesn’t translate to development,” stressing that true leadership is measured by impact, unity, and capacity to bring people together.
Addressing the recent protest in Yagba West, Omodara stated that it bore signs of political manipulation, noting that the Senator had made no attempt to reach out to the government or stakeholders throughout the three-day unrest. He maintained that his comments on the political undertone of the protest, and on the involvement of some youths in supporting bandits—were based on verifiable investigations and subsequent arrests.
Despite personal attacks and social media mobilisation against him, he said he had chosen restraint out of respect for the unity of Kogi West.
Omodara further warned that Kogi West cannot achieve its long-standing aspiration for the governorship through internal division, media wars, or political blackmail.
He urged leaders to rebuild old alliances, strengthen dialogue, and unite around a credible collective agenda, especially as the Eastern District is likely to produce candidates for both the PDP and ADC in the 2027 election while Governor Ododo remains constitutionally eligible for a second term.
He also called attention to the economic neglect of Okunland’s abundant mineral resources, lamenting that over 95 percent of investors currently exploiting the region’s deposits are non-indigenes.
According to him, resource control and economic empowerment should be central to the political agenda of the zone.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace and security across the state, Omodara reiterated that no amount of provocation or blackmail would distract him from his duty.
He urged Senator Karimi to unite with other leaders, rebuild bridges across Okunland, and mobilise the people for ongoing INEC voter registration—especially as Kogi West still has the lowest number of registered voters.
“Kogi belongs to all of us,” he said. “This is the time for genuine unity, strategic dialogue, and purposeful leadership that will secure a stronger and more respected Kogi West.”
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