Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defends her cash grants to constituents in Kogi Central after videos circulated online showing her distributing bundles of cash during an empowerment programme on November 2. Critics on social media accused her of vote-buying and promoting a culture of handouts, prompting her to respond publicly.

In her defence, she argues the shift to cash is based on what she says beneficiaries actually need. Nigerian Eye reports that she says recipients of earlier support, including sewing machines, sold them to raise money for business expenses or rent. She adds that beneficiaries who requested help to start a business or expand operations receive cash transfers. The Daily Post Nigeria and The Punch describe the same dispute and her justification, with her addressing questions about the purpose of the cash distribution.

While the outlets broadly agree on the core facts—the November 2 event, the online criticism, and her explanation for using cash rather than equipment—coverage varies in detail. Nigerian Eye provides more specific information about the programme’s framing, beneficiary sectors, and the range of cash amounts and transfers.