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Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, defended a recent cash‑distribution event that drew criticism from the Obi‑Kwankwaso Movement (OK Movement). The senator said she had not yet received an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to explain the source and disbursement of the funds, but she would comply if called. In a video that circulated on social media and was reported by Sunday PUNCH, Akpoti‑Uduaghan explained that the money was part of the Federal Government’s budget and was publicly presented to beneficiaries before being handed out. She said about 600 people attended the programme, which was held to mark her anniversary in the 10th National Assembly. “I have not been invited by the EFCC. But, of course, if I’m invited, I will turn up and explain the following things. Number one, the cash empowerment was money from the Federal Government. It’s budgeted by the Federal Government,” the senator said. She added that the distribution was transparent and urged the OK Movement to encourage its own representatives to provide similar opportunities to their constituents. The OK Movement, through its Director‑General John Ughulu, called on the EFCC to investigate the cash distribution, alleging that the public handing out of large sums could amount to vote‑buying. Ughulu urged the commission to examine the circumstances and prosecute anyone found culpable. The group also threatened to mobilise political resources against Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s return to the National Assembly, accusing her of undermining democratic principles. The controversy followed the circulation of photographs and videos showing bundles of cash at the empowerment event, which attracted criticism on social media. The senator’s defence and the OK Movement’s demands highlight ongoing concerns about the propriety of large cash handouts at constituency events. Article source: The Punch | Image credit: The Punch
Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, defended a recent cash‑distribution event that drew criticism from the Obi‑Kwankwaso Movement (OK Movement). The senator said she had not yet received an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to explain the source and disbursement of the funds, but she would comply if called. In a video that circulated on social media and was reported by Sunday PUNCH, Akpoti‑Uduaghan explained that the money was part of the Federal Government’s budget and was publicly presented to beneficiaries before being handed out. She said about 600 people attended the programme, which was held to mark her anniversary in the 10th National Assembly. “I have not been invited by the EFCC. But, of course, if I’m invited, I will turn up and explain the following things. Number one, the cash empowerment was money from the Federal Government. It’s budgeted by the Federal Government,” the senator said. She added that the distribution was transparent and urged the OK Movement to encourage its own representatives to provide similar opportunities to their constituents. The OK Movement, through its Director‑General John Ughulu, called on the EFCC to investigate the cash distribution, alleging that the public handing out of large sums could amount to vote‑buying. Ughulu urged the commission to examine the circumstances and prosecute anyone found culpable. The group also threatened to mobilise political resources against Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s return to the National Assembly, accusing her of undermining democratic principles. The controversy followed the circulation of photographs and videos showing bundles of cash at the empowerment event, which attracted criticism on social media. The senator’s defence and the OK Movement’s demands highlight ongoing concerns about the propriety of large cash handouts at constituency events.
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