The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has criticised former governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, for distributing grinding machines, motorbikes, sewing machines, and ₦100,000 cash to constituents, describing the act as hypocritical and disappointing.
Segun Saiki, a former lawmaker and PDP chieftain in the state, condemned the gesture, arguing that Oshiomhole had once mocked other lawmakers for engaging in similar empowerment programmes.
“Oshiomhole has simply swallowed his own words,” Saiki said. “This is the same man who used to deride others for sharing grinding machines and motorbikes. Now, after two years in the Senate, this is what he calls a constituency project? What can ₦100,000 even do in today’s economy?”
The distribution reportedly took place on Saturday in Oshiomhole’s hometown, Iyamho, where he represents the Edo North Senatorial District.
Saiki reminded the public that before his election to the Senate, Oshiomhole had condemned such handouts, saying they reduced meaningful empowerment to tokenism. He recalled the senator’s earlier statement: “I have seen my senator give out grinding machines and motorbikes as empowerment. That is more offensive. You are destroying young people instead of empowering them.”
Reacting to the criticism, Oshiomhole’s media aide, Victor Oshioke, defended the senator, saying the empowerment items were only a fraction of the lawmaker’s wider development initiatives.
“Oshiomhole has complemented these items with lasting projects, including classroom blocks and market stores,” Oshioke explained. “He remains committed to creating enduring legacies and opportunities for his constituents.”
He added that Oshiomhole’s intention had always been to focus on long-term, impactful projects, not mere handouts, and that the recent initiative was part of a broader development plan for Edo North.
