There was drama on Arise TV Morning Show on Wednesday as anchors Rufai Oseni and Reuben Abati disagreed over cash distribution by Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to her constituents.
Natasha has been under fire after videos showed her displaying bundles of naira notes during her 3rd anniversary empowerment programme in Kogi.
But she defended her action, saying she gave sewing machines in the past but beneficiaries sold them to pay rent and boost businesses.
Reacting on Arise TV, Rufai defended Natasha.
“You can’t blame Natasha, she tried the machines, they sold them. People need cash for their businesses,” Rufai said.
He said Natasha showed what she did openly, unlike other lawmakers who hide constituency money, adding that the real problem is poverty, not Natasha.
However, Abati disagreed immediately, saying that displaying bundles of cash on tables is not empowerment.
“Displaying bundles of cash is not empowerment. You don’t build the economy by displaying cash,” Abati fired back.
According to him, there is nothing wrong with helping people with money, but making it a show for cameras is wrong.
He stated that the money should have been transferred quietly.
Abati added that groups like MonITNG that criticised Natasha were right, stating that cash handouts cannot replace infrastructure, education, healthcare and jobs.
The clash got heated as Rufai insisted Nigerians need immediate cash to survive, while Abati maintained that leaders should focus on sustainable development, not cash display.