Commander Duro Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), the Kogi State Security Adviser, has publicly cautioned Senator Sunday Karimi against what he terms divisive politics, asserting that such actions threaten the unity, growth, and political relevance of the Kogi West Senatorial District.
In a statement released on Monday, Omodara addressed recent publications issued by a “Prof. Daniel Bonire on behalf of an unknown ‘Kogi West Group’,” dismissing them as sponsored attempts to distort facts and malign his reputation. He stated that he felt compelled to respond to shield the public from misinformation.
Omodara recalled that Kogi West has historically demonstrated loyalty by aligning with other districts, a goodwill he claims has often been met with betrayal and political marginalization.
He stressed that the zone must now learn from past errors and pursue sincere, strategic engagement with other districts to realize its aspiration of producing a governor.
Highlighting his long record of service, Omodara expressed disappointment that while the Governor Ododo administration is consolidating peace and development, Senator Karimi has allegedly chosen a confrontational path.
“Eloquent grammar does not translate to development,” Omodara insisted, stressing that true leadership is measured by impact, unity, and the capacity to bring people together.
Addressing the recent three-day unrest in Yagba West, Omodara maintained that the protest bore signs of political manipulation.
He noted that the Senator made no attempt to reach out to the government or stakeholders during the disturbance. The Security Adviser affirmed that his previous comments on the protest’s political undertone including the involvement of some youths in supporting bandits were based on verifiable investigations and subsequent arrests.
Despite enduring personal attacks and social media mobilization against him, he chose restraint out of respect for Kogi West’s unity.
Omodara warned that the zone cannot achieve its long-standing governorship aspiration through internal division, media wars, or political blackmail.
He urged leaders to rebuild old alliances, strengthen dialogue, and unite around a credible collective agenda.
He pointed to the political realities ahead of 2027, noting that the Eastern District is likely to produce candidates for both the PDP and ADC, while Governor Ododo remains constitutionally eligible for a second term.
Omodara 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. He argued that resource control and economic empowerment must be central to the zone’s political agenda.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace and security, Omodara pledged that no amount of provocation would distract him from his duty.
He issued a direct appeal to Senator Karimi, urging him to unite with other leaders, rebuild bridges across Okunland, and mobilize the people for the ongoing INEC voter registration, especially since Kogi West still holds the lowest number of registered voters in the state.
“Kogi belongs to all of us,” he concluded. “This is the time for genuine unity, strategic dialogue, and purposeful leadership that will secure a stronger and more respected Kogi West.”