A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo North Senatorial District and former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Shegun Saiki, has criticized Senator Adams Oshiomhole for distributing motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines, and cash to some constituents.
Saiki condemned the gesture, describing it as a contradiction of Oshiomhole’s earlier campaign promises. He likened the senator’s actions to “vomiting and swallowing it back,” saying Oshiomhole had vowed to end such forms of empowerment when seeking election.
According to Saiki, “Which constituency project is he doing after two years in the Senate? What can anybody buy with ₦100,000 in this present economy? Oshiomhole only gave money to people who visited him.”
Before his election to the National Assembly, Oshiomhole had openly criticized the practice of lawmakers distributing small empowerment items such as grinding machines and motorcycles. At the time, he argued that such gestures were counterproductive and failed to create real opportunities for the youth.
He had said, “That is more offensive. How are you empowering a young man in his 20s with a motorbike? You are destroying him. I think the government must refocus its long-term strategy to empower the people.”
However, Oshiomhole’s Chief of Staff, Victor Oshioke, defended the senator, saying his principal has delivered more meaningful projects in the district.
“Oshiomhole has built classroom blocks and market stores in addition to the items shared,” Oshioke explained. “What he meant was that a senator should not be judged solely by distributing items but by the lasting legacies and job opportunities he creates.”
