The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Wednesday defended her decision to distribute millions of naira in cash to constituents during an empowerment programme, saying the intervention was based on beneficiaries’ preference for direct financial assistance.

However, the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the exercise over alleged vote-buying.

The senator came under criticism after pictures and videos of the cash distribution at an event marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly circulated on social media, prompting questions about the propriety and purpose of the handouts.

In a statement made available to The PUNCH in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko, on Wednesday, the lawmaker said her decision was informed by her constituents’ preferences, based on feedback from previous empowerment exercises.

She said, “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.

“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 noted that entrepreneurs have different operational realities, making direct cash assistance a practical option for addressing challenges ranging from business expansion and stock replenishment to the acquisition of essential production materials.

In her anniversary message, she expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and described the business grants as part of her commitment to strengthening local enterprises and improving economic opportunities across 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 honoured to support local businesses with the financial assistance they need to grow,” she stated.

Beneficiaries reportedly received grants ranging from N100,000 to N5m, depending on their business needs, with some receiving N2m, N3m and N4m, while others were given up to N5m through bank transfers.

Condemning the programme, which it described as alleged vote-buying, the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement called for an investigation by the EFCC.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the OK Movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, urged the EFCC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the exercise and prosecute anyone found culpable.

Ughulu also threatened to mobilise political resources against the senator’s return to the National Assembly, accusing her of undermining democratic principles through the public distribution of 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 group described 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 mobilise 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.