A lawmaker from Anambra State, Honorable Dominic Okafor, has, last weekend, chosen to empower his constituents with wheelbarrows, cutlasses and hoes.
The gesture was described as a mockery of the state that prides itself with most billionaires in Africa.
Honorable Okafor is the Federal member representing Aguata Federal Constituency at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Observers, who believe the political class in Nigeria is callous, have described the event as a “charade”.
The lawmaker has, in the meantime, faced heavy backlash.
Okafor justifies his exploits
Meanwhile, Okafor has taken steps to justify his exploits on his social media handle on Facebook.
In a post seen by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Okafor stated:
“It is important to set the record straight and present the facts without sentiment or misinformation.
“First and foremost, this initiative is not an arbitrary political gesture, but a duly approved and budgeted intervention under the 2025 Appropriation Act.
“It was specifically earmarked as a constituency empowerment project targeted at indigent farmers who form the backbone of our rural economy.
“These tools were procured and distributed in strict compliance with the laid-down procedures and objectives of the budget.
“It is unfortunate that some sections of the media and the public are trivializing a well-intentioned program that directly benefits the people.
“Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for many in our constituency.
“The distribution of practical tools such as wheelbarrows, cutlasses and hoes is not only relevant…
“…essential to easing the daily burden of hardworking farmers who lack the means to acquire them.”
“Wheelbarrow is not a luxury… increasing productivity”
Speaking further, Okafor noted that the wheelbarrows are means to increase productivity and income, not luxury.
He stated further: “For many beneficiaries, a wheelbarrow is not a luxury, it is a means of increasing productivity and income.
“The argument should not be about the optics, but about impact and the lives being improved.
“Rather than deride this effort, critics should channel their energy toward promoting more investment in agriculture.
“Empowering farmers, no matter how modest the tools, is a step in the right direction.
“No farmer anywhere in the world starts with a tractor they start with a wheelbarrow, a hoe, and a dream.
“Aguata Federal Constituency will continue to benefit from impactful, budget-backed projects that reflect the real needs of the people not the fleeting opinions of those detached from the daily realities of our rural communities.
Nigerians respond
Responding to Okafor, Mr. Mezie, writing on his X handle, @MezieAbia, stated:
“A House of Representatives member in Nigeria empowering his constituents with wheelbarrows and cutlasses!
“Meanwhile, his own children are schooling in the best schools in Europe with public resources meant for the development and welfare of the constituents who are being empowered with wheelbarrow and cutlasses.
“This is the kind of wickedness the criminal politicians in Nigeria want over 250 million Nigerians to keep condoning and enduring.
“On a fateful day, same water that drenched the toad will enter its mouth.
“Then, a big resistance that will put the criminal politicians in disarray will follow.
“What’s happening in Nepal might be a joke.”