The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has raised issues over the millions of Naira in cash distribution by Kogi Central Senatorial District senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
It has called on the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the exercise
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the OK Movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, also threatened to mobilise political resources against the senator’s return to the National Assembly.
It accused her of undermining democratic principles through the public distribution of millions of naira to constituents.
The reaction of the movement follows the senator’s decision to distribute millins of naira in cash to people of her constituency during an empowerment programme.
“The OK Movement strongly condemns the reported cash empowerment exercise by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The action is an apparent case of open vote-buying and a serious affront to democratic principles.
“We call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding this exercise and, where evidence of wrongdoing is established, prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law.”
“This development is a total disgrace to the Nigerian Senate as an institution. Elected public officials must understand that public office is a position of responsibility, not an opportunity to compromise the electoral choices of citizens through financial inducements.
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“The OK Movement will not remain silent in the face of practices that undermine our democracy. We condemn this conduct and declare our intention to mobilise every legitimate political resource within our reach to campaign against Senator Natasha’s return to the Senate.
“Nigeria deserves leaders who respect democratic values, uphold accountability and earn the confidence of the people through competence, integrity and service, not financial inducements,” Ughulu added.
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