Auchi, Edo – In a scene that has ignited a firestorm of criticism, a video circulating on social media platform X has exposed what appears to be a controversial distribution of cash and empowerment items in Edo North, allegedly orchestrated by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the Honourable Minister for Regional Development, Momoh.

The event, labeled as a "Grassroots Empowerment Programme," has been accused of reducing the so-called "dividends of democracy" to mere handouts and political patronage.

The video, shared by @monitng, captures a large gathering where individuals are seen receiving cash gifts of ₦100,000 and various empowerment items.

The atmosphere is festive, but the underlying message has sparked outrage among critics who argue that such distributions do not address the pressing developmental needs of the region.

Senator Oshiomhole, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a representative of Edo North in the Senate, has been at the center of this controversy. Critics have raised serious questions about the prioritization of resources, pointing out that Edo North is grappling with significant infrastructure deficits, including abandoned roads, dilapidated schools, and inadequate healthcare facilities.

"The so-called dividends of democracy in Edo North have once again been reduced to handouts and patronage," the post reads, accusing the senator and the minister of converting funds meant for constituency projects into political largesse for party loyalists.

The post further argues that true empowerment should focus on sustainable development projects that benefit the entire community, not just a select few.

The allegations have prompted calls for accountability from anti-corruption bodies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), both of which were tagged in the post.

@MonITNG questions the whereabouts of constituency projects and demands transparency in public spending, emphasizing that democracy should not be hijacked for partisan purposes.

Supporters of Senator Oshiomhole, however, may argue that such empowerment programs are part of broader efforts to address immediate needs within the community.

Oshiomhole has been involved in various development initiatives, including education infrastructure and community projects, as part of his constituency efforts. However, the current controversy suggests a disconnect between these long-term goals and the short-term measures depicted in the video.

As of now, neither Senator Oshiomhole nor the Honourable Minister Momoh has issued an official response to the allegations.