In what was intended as a gesture of grassroots empowerment, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has come under fire after distributing plastic buckets to women in his constituency as part of an empowerment programme.
The event, which took place in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, drew immediate reactions from both residents and social media users, many of whom described the gesture as “demeaning,” “insulting,” and a stark departure from the expectations of meaningful representation.
Photos from the event showed women, some elderly lining up to receive branded plastic buckets, sparking a flurry of criticism over what many perceived as a tone-deaf approach to empowerment in a region grappling with youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, and economic hardship.
“This is not empowerment; it’s embarrassment,” a resident of Elu Ohafia told our correspondent. “We sent a representative to fight for opportunities in Abuja, not to bring us buckets as if we are refugees.”
Another community youth leader questioned the priorities of the lawmaker: “With all the constituency funds allocated, is this the best Hon. Ibe Okwara can offer the women of Arochukwu and Ohafia? Is this how he plans to reduce poverty, one bucket at a time?”
The incident has reignited the ongoing debate over what constitutes meaningful empowerment in Nigeria’s political landscape. Critics argue that symbolic or tokenistic gestures have replaced genuine development efforts, with many elected officials resorting to the distribution of trivial items under the guise of empowerment.
Attempts to reach Hon. Ibe Okwara for comments were unsuccessful as of press time. However, aides close to the lawmaker defended the initiative, describing it as “a modest intervention aimed at reaching out to rural women with useful household items.”
Still, for many constituents, the optics of the event speak louder than the intention.
Political observers warn that such missteps may have long-term consequences, especially as constituents become increasingly vocal about demanding transparency, impact-driven representation, and measurable development.
As the 2027 elections approach, residents say they will no longer be pacified with handouts, but will demand leaders who can deliver policy-driven progress and tangible infrastructure.

“This is 2025,” a frustrated youth from Abam lamented. “We can’t be clapping for buckets anymore.”