‘They sold sewing machines I gave them’ – Natasha defends sharing bundles of cash
Kogi Central Senator Defends Cash Donations Amid Criticism
Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has addressed criticism regarding her recent decision to distribute cash to constituents. The senator’s actions have sparked backlash on social media following the release of videos showcasing the cash during an empowerment program on November 2.
Critics on various platforms have accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of vote-buying and perpetuating a culture of handouts. One user, identified as @iammanuelmeche, questioned, “Why must there be money on the table when ever it comes to election in Nigeria?”
Another commenter, @HonAkanoJohn, expressed a desire for politicians with integrity, stating, “May we have politicians with integrity… Same thing they are doing using money to do everything, and once they get in again they will disappear.”
Concerns about the handling of public funds were also raised by @markshg11, who remarked that Nigerian politicians often resort to distributing money to the poor rather than utilizing funds for more effective means.
The criticism extended to the senator’s campaign logistics, with user @PO_STREETVOICE noting that resources allocated for campaign buses could have been better spent on infrastructure. “These funds should be used to build infrastructures… Now she is sharing cash to drive people to vote for her,” they wrote.
Despite the backlash, Akpoti-Uduaghan stands by her approach. In a statement released by her media aide, Mike Idoko, she explained that previous beneficiaries of her empowerment initiatives sold sewing machines she had distributed to fund other needs. “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,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
The senator’s remarks indicate an intent to directly address the immediate financial challenges faced by her constituents.
