Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Defends Empowerment Funds Source

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, addressed allegations regarding the distribution of millions of naira to her constituents during an empowerment programme in Kogi State. She stated that the funds originated from the Federal Government and were included in the national budget.

Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that the distribution was transparent and part of a legitimate empowerment initiative. She noted that approximately 600 people attended the event, where the funds were publicly displayed before beneficiaries received their allocations.

Despite calls from the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the programme due to concerns of potential vote-buying, she asserted that there was nothing to hide regarding the financial support provided. Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her willingness to appear before the EFCC if invited and criticized the movement for not encouraging their own representatives to pursue similar empowerment opportunities.