Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District, on Wednesday defended her decision to hand out millions of naira in cash to constituents during an empowerment program, explaining that the intervention was informed by beneficiaries’ preference for direct financial assistance.
But the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to examine the exercise over alleged vote-buying, The PUNCH writes.
Photos and videos of the cash giveaway during an event to commemorate her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly went viral on social media, triggering criticism for the senator and doubts over the legitimacy and purpose of the handouts.
The legislator, through her media aide, Mike Idoko, said in a statement yesterday in Abuja to journalists that her choice was based on the wishes of her constituents, after input from past empowerment exercises.
“I have given out sewing machines to many and at the end of the day I realised they sold them to either boost their businesses or pay rent,” she added.
“So I’ve decided to give out cash to those who asked for support to start a business or add more stock. “Some will be moved to get N5m.”
The reality of the operations of entrepreneurs are diverse, and so direct cash aid is a feasible choice to solve difficulties ranging from business expansion to stock replenishment and purchasing of vital production supplies.
In a message to mark the occasion, she praised God for the opportunity to serve and said the business grants are part of her commitment to uplifting local firms and creating economic possibilities in Kogi Central.
“Today we marked our third anniversary in office by distributing cash grants to small businesses in Kogi Central. From farmers and tailors to content creators and small-scale manufacturers, these entrepreneurs are building livelihoods and fortifying our local economy.
“So, I am thankful to God and I feel honoured that I am able to assist local businesses with the financial aid they require to flourish.”
Beneficiaries were said to have gotten grants from N100,000 to N5m according to their company needs, with some receiving N2m, N3m and N4m, while others were granted up to N5m through bank transfers.
The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement condemned the program as alleged vote-buying and asked for an inquiry of the EFCC.
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the Director-General of the OK Movement, Mr. John Ughulu, called on the EFCC to probe the circumstances surrounding the exercise and prosecute anyone found guilty.
Ughulu also promised to gather political resources to oppose the return of the senator to the National Assembly, accusing her of undermining democratic values by distributing millions of naira to constituents in public.
“The OK Movement strongly condemns the reported cash empowerment exercise by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” the statement said. This looks like a clear case of open vote-buying and a major insult to democratic norms.
“Therefore, we are calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding this exercise urgently and where there is evidence of wrongdoing, prosecute those responsible according to the law.
The group said the lawmaker was a disgrace to the Senate and that elected officials should not buy off individuals to sway their voting choices. Voting Information
“This is a total embarrassment for the Nigerian Senate as an institution. Public office is a position of duty that elected public officials must comprehend and not an opportunity to compromise the electoral choices of citizens through financial inducements.
“The OK Movement will not be silent on practices that undermine our democracy. “We condemn this behaviour and announce that we will mobilise all legitimate political resources at our disposal to campaign against the return of Senator Natasha to the Senate.”
“Nigeria deserves leaders who respect democratic values, uphold accountability and earn the confidence of the people through competence, integrity and service and not financial inducements,” Ughulu said.
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