Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi-West, has admitted that he played a role in the challenges Senate President Godswill Akpabio faced due to the actions of Kogi-Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

On Thursday, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after endorsing a report from its Ethics and Privileges Committee. The panel investigated her February 20, 2025, argument with Akpabio over her seat reallocation and found her guilty of violating Senate rules.

Speaking during the Senate session, Karimi publicly apologized to Akpabio. He explained that when Akpoti-Uduaghan first joined the Senate, he and others convinced Akpabio to assign her to a committee, believing she should lead the Local Content Development Committee since the previous chair was also from Kogi State.

However, Akpabio initially hesitated, stating that leadership positions usually go to more experienced senators.

Over time, Karimi’s relationship with Akpoti-Uduaghan deteriorated. By the time of her argument with Akpabio, she had also turned against him. Karimi shared that during the heated exchange, she insulted him and even his mother, thinking he was responsible for her seat change.

Karimi revealed that he privately messaged her, advising her to apologize to the Senate to avoid suspension. He also offered to help her reach Senate leaders for support. However, he later learned that she dismissed his advice.

With her suspension now in place, Karimi admitted his role in the situation and expressed regret for getting involved in her case in the first place.