A former lawmaker and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, Segun Saiki, has criticised former governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, for distributing grinding machines, motorbikes, sewing machines and N100,000 cash as constituency projects.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, had shared the items on Saturday in his hometown, Iyamho.
Saiki faulted the initiative, describing it as hypocritical given Oshiomhole’s past criticism of lawmakers who carried out similar empowerment programmes. He likened the senator’s action to “eating his vomit.”
“Oshiomhole swallowed what he had vomited by doling out grinding machines, motorbikes, sewing machines and N100,000 as a constituency project,” Saiki said. “It’s like someone vomiting and swallowing it back. Which constituency project is he doing after two years in the Senate? What can anybody buy with N100,000 in today’s economy? Oshiomhole only gave money to people who visited him.”
He recalled how Oshiomhole, before his election to the Senate, had openly condemned lawmakers for impoverishing citizens by distributing sewing machines and other items as empowerment tools.
However, defending the senator, his media aide, Victor Oshioke, said Oshiomhole had complemented the distribution with more substantial projects, including the construction of classroom blocks and market stores.
According to Oshioke, the lawmaker’s intention was consistent with his earlier pledge to pursue projects that would have long-term impact.
He said, “What Oshiomhole meant was that a senator should not be judged by sharing items but by enduring legacies and jobs created.”
Oshiomhole had, before his election to the National Assembly, promised to “restructure the idea of constituency projects,” saying at the time, “I don’t want to go to the Senate for business as usual. I have seen my senator give out grinding machines and motorbikes as empowerment. That is more offensive. How are you empowering a young man in his 20s with a motorbike? You are destroying him. The government must refocus on long-term strategies to empower people.”
