A civic technology organisation, MonITNG, has criticised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over the public display and distribution of large sums of money at an empowerment programme in Kogi State, questioning the effectiveness of cash handouts as a means of addressing poverty.
The organisation raised the concerns in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, accompanied by a video of the event, urging the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District to reconsider the practice of presenting cash distribution as an empowerment initiative.
MonITNG argued that the public display of millions of naira raised concerns about the meaning of political representation, leadership and sustainable poverty reduction.
It questioned whether the performance of elected officials should be measured by the amount of cash they distribute to constituents rather than their contributions to long-term development.
The organisation maintained that meaningful empowerment should focus on creating sustainable economic opportunities through support for small businesses, investment in education, vocational training, improved healthcare and programmes that enable citizens to earn decent livelihoods.
It warned that presenting poverty as an opportunity for political spectacle could encourage dependency on politicians instead of promoting economic independence.
According to the group, citizens should be demanding good roads, functional hospitals, quality schools, employment opportunities and accountable governance rather than celebrating temporary financial handouts.
While acknowledging that providing financial assistance to vulnerable people was not wrong, MonITNG insisted that cash distribution should not be presented as a replacement for meaningful development and effective representation.
It further argued that the people of Kogi Central elected Senator Natasha to attract development, defend their interests, influence policies and improve their living conditions, not merely to distribute money at public gatherings.
The organisation therefore called for a shift from the distribution of cash by political officeholders to policies and programmes capable of generating sustainable wealth and improving the economic independence of ordinary Nigerians.
It stressed that leadership should equip citizens with opportunities to become self-reliant rather than leave them dependent on repeated financial handouts.
