Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan said on Wednesday that her decision to distribute millions of naira in cash to constituents at an empowerment program was justified, since the intervention matched beneficiaries’ preference for direct financial assistance.
The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, however, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to look into the exercise over allegations of vote-buying.
The senator who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the Senate faced criticism after photos and videos of the cash distribution at an event marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly spread on social media, raising questions about the appropriateness and intent of the handouts.
In a statement, her media aide, Mike Idoko, made in Abuja on Wednesday, the lawmaker said her decision was driven by her constituents’ preferences, as shown by feedback from earlier empowerment exercises.
She said, “I have given out sewing machines to many, and at the end of the day, I realized they sold them to either boost their businesses or pay rent.
“So I have decided to give cash to those who requested support to start a business or add more stock. Some will get N5m through transfer.”
The lawmaker pointed out that entrepreneurs face differing operational realities, which makes direct cash assistance a practical way to address challenges ranging from business expansion and stock replenishment to the purchase of essential production materials.
In her anniversary message, Natasha gave thanks to God for the chance to serve and described the business grants as part of her dedication to strengthening local enterprises and improving economic opportunities throughout Kogi Central.
“We rounded off our third anniversary in office by supporting small businesses across Kogi Central with cash grants. From farmers and tailors to content creators and small-scale manufacturers, these entrepreneurs are building livelihoods and strengthening our local economy.
“Thus, I’m grateful to God and honored to support local businesses with the financial assistance they need to grow,” Natasha stated.
Reports indicate that beneficiaries received grants between N100,000 and N5m, based on their business needs, with some getting N2m, N3m, and N4m, while others received as much as N5m via bank transfers.
The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement condemned the program, describing it as alleged vote-buying, and called on the EFCC to investigate.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the OK Movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, urged the EFCC to look into the circumstances of the exercise and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Ughulu also threatened to mobilize political resources to block the senator’s return to the National Assembly, accusing her of undermining democratic principles by publicly distributing millions of naira to constituents.
The statement read, “The OK Movement strongly condemns the reported cash empowerment exercise by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The action is an apparent case of open vote-buying and a serious affront to democratic principles.
“We call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding this exercise and, where evidence of wrongdoing is established, prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law.”
The OK group the lawmaker as a disgrace to the Senate, insisting that elected officials should not use financial inducements to influence citizens’ electoral choices.
“This development is a total disgrace to the Nigerian Senate as an institution. Elected public officials must understand that public office is a position of responsibility, not an opportunity to compromise the electoral choices of citizens through financial inducements.
“The OK Movement will not remain silent in the face of practices that undermine our democracy. We condemn this conduct and declare our intention to mobilize every legitimate political resource within our reach to campaign against Senator Natasha’s return to the Senate.
“Nigeria deserves leaders who respect democratic values, uphold accountability, and earn the confidence of the people through competence, integrity, and service, not financial inducements,” Ughulu added.
