Controversy has erupted after the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator representing Ebonyi South distributed cooking pots to his constituents as part of what he termed an "empowerment program."
The move has drawn heavy criticism from citizens and civil society groups, with many calling it both patronizing and grossly inadequate in addressing the real needs of the people.The senator, a professor-turned-politician, was seen in widely circulated videos and images handing out metal cooking pots to elderly women and youths in a public ceremony. The lawmaker described the event as “an effort to alleviate hardship and support home management among the poor.”
However, critics argue that the gesture is symbolic of the broader failure of the ruling APC to deliver meaningful development. One outraged local resident quipped, “Sharing pots to the hungry is like washing the outside of a cup while neglecting the inside.”
The backlash on social media was swift and biting. Many users condemned what they saw as a performative and degrading act, particularly coming from a senator with a distinguished academic background.
“This is a professor we’re talking about. How can a man of such intellectual standing think handing out pots in 2025 is empowerment?” asked one user on X (formerly Twitter). “APC has become a plaque — a political disease infecting governance with mediocrity.”
Political analysts say this incident reflects a larger issue of misplaced priorities among political elites. While millions face food insecurity, lack of education, and rising unemployment, the resources earmarked for empowerment programs are often diverted into tokenistic and photo-op gestures.
Calls have intensified for greater accountability in constituency projects and a shift toward sustainable, skills-based empowerment, especially in rural and economically challenged regions like Ebonyi South.
As of the time of filing this report, the senator has not responded to the backlash, and the APC has made no official statement regarding the incident.
