Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan F!res Back At Obi-Kwankwaso Movement Over EFCC Petition

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has criticised the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement over its demand for an investigation into the cash empowerment programme she organised for her constituents, urging the group to instead encourage its representatives in the National Assembly to provide similar benefits to their supporters.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the senator came under public scrutiny after photographs and videos showing her distributing cash to constituents during an event marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly went viral on social media.

The controversy intensified after the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, through its Director-General, John Ughulu, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the exercise over allegations of vote-buying. The group also threatened to mobilise political resources against Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the National Assembly, accusing her of undermining democratic principles through the public distribution of millions of naira.

However, the senator has defended the initiative, explaining that the financial assistance was provided under a Federal Government-funded empowerment programme. She also maintained that the decision to distribute cash directly was influenced by the preferences of the beneficiaries.

In a video circulating on social media, Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that she had not received any invitation from the EFCC regarding the cash distribution. Nevertheless, she stated that she would honour any invitation from the anti-graft agency and provide explanations about the source and disbursement of the funds.

The Kogi senator further challenged the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement to redirect its attention towards its own representatives in the National Assembly, arguing that lawmakers associated with the group could also explore similar empowerment opportunities for their constituents.

She questioned why the movement was focusing its efforts on demanding an investigation into her programme rather than pressuring its senators to provide comparable financial assistance to the people they represent.

Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that the funds were budgeted by the Federal Government and maintained that she was prepared to explain the programme whenever required by the appropriate authorities.

The disagreement has added a fresh dimension to the controversy surrounding the senator’s cash empowerment initiative, which has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians since footage of the distribution emerged online.