Written by SpringNewsNG Media Limited | March 21, 2025

A viral video showing Hon. Ibikunle Idowu, the lawmaker representing Yagba West Local Government inhttp://Hon. Ibikunle Idowu, the lawmaker representing Yagba West the Kogi State House of Assembly, distributing motorcycle tyres to his constituents has sparked outrage on social media.

Idowu, who also serves as the minority leader, was seen in a crowded location presenting the tyres as a form of empowerment and support. However, the initiative has been met with heavy criticism from Nigerians, who argue that the gesture fails to address the fundamental needs of the people.

Many took to social media to question the logic behind giving out motorcycle tyres when some recipients do not even own motorcycles.

‘Shared Shame Between Giver and Receiver’

One critic, Farmer Ika, described the initiative as an http://critic, Farmer Ika, described the initiative as anembarrassment to both the lawmaker and his constituents.

“What about people who don’t have ‘machines’ (motorcycles)? Nigerians are gullible; no sense of self-dignity. This is a shared shame between the giver and the receiver. Our moron Hon. Nigerians deserve better empowerment like vocational skills acquisition,” he wrote.

Another critic, Ogbonna Ifeanyichukwu, condemned the way Nigerians celebrate such handouts, suggesting that politicians exploit poverty for political gain.

“Give them tyres, they sing your praise. Give them bread, they glorify you. Give them amala, they will lick ur ass.
Give them jollof rice and they will drink your urine. Give them rice, they will stand on ur mandate. APC captured the soul of impoverished Nigeria with religion and tribalism,” he ranted.

‘This is Deeply Disappointing’

Joshua Eze also slammed the lawmaker, arguing that he should be focusing on more pressing issues such as insecurity, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

“This is deeply disappointing. Hon. Idowu Ibikunle, as the minority leader of Yagba West, should be addressing the pressing needs of his constituents—like insecurity, infrastructure, or economic opportunities—rather than distributing motorcycle tyres.
This gesture feels inadequate and out of touch with the real challenges faced by the people of Kogi State. We deserve better leadership and meaningful solutions.”

‘They Will Still Defend Their Oppressors’

Dr. Umaru AJ criticised those who accepted the tyres, suggesting they would later defend corrupt politicians online.

“And after collecting one motorcycle tyre each, they will come online to be attacking handles speaking up against their corrupt Ogas,” he remarked.

Similarly, StackedSam expressed frustration over the state of both leadership and followership in Nigeria.

“What’s going on with our nation? Both leaders and followers are moving mad. Dem dey give you tyre you sef dey collect am with respect and one unfortunate being dey shout congratulations.”

‘Looted Funds Turned Empowerment’

Another critic, Rising Sun, alleged that the tyres being distributed were likely acquired through corrupt means.

“Just sharing what was looted some time ago. It’s not possible that he went to the market, bought just tyres, and started sharing. Best believe.”

Nedu Brave also questioned the logic behind giving motorcycle tyres to people who do not own motorcycles.

“You’re empowering someone who doesn’t have a motorcycle with a motorcycle tyre and they’re gladly taking it without chasing him away… I have seen peak fooling, but this is a discovery.”

Growing Backlash

The controversy has continued to spread online, with many Nigerians calling for politicians to prioritise meaningful development projects rather than symbolic handouts. Critics argue that such acts of ‘empowerment’ only highlight the disconnect between leaders and the needs of the people.

As the backlash grows, Hon. Idowu has yet to respond to the criticism surrounding his tyre distribution i