Senator Okorie Ani, who represents Ebonyi South Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has drawn social media criticism to himself after distributing cooking pots to his constituents as part of what he described as an “empowerment” initiative.
Photos and videos from the event, which surfaced online on Wednesday, show the senator proudly handing out shiny, brand-new pots to a cheering crowd.
The content quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), triggering widespread backlash and ridicule.
“Ebonyi South Senator, Prof. Okorie Ani Spotted Empowering his constituents with brand new pots,” wrote an X user, Chuks, whose post ignited the wave of reactions.
The responses were swift and scathing against the lawmaker who, in the past, hosted a skill-acquisition programme for his constituents in Abuja, which is outside the geographical location of his senatorial constituency.
Christian C. (@omorogiec) questioned the rationale behind such gestures: “Do they do these things intentionally? Transistor radio, Okada tyres, cooking pots, etc. Is this how their constituents will truly get empowered?”
Grind & Charts (@grind_charts) added biting sarcasm: “They give the people pots, then steal the firewood, gas, and food. This isn’t empowerment—it’s mockery in high resolution.”
Nedu Brave (@nedubrave) expressed disbelief: “Sometimes I wonder if they’re doing these things intentionally, because why are you using pots to empower your constituents? And they welcomed him with open arms. Omo.”
