Hon. Ibikunle Idowu, the lawmaker representing Yagba West Local Government in the Kogi State House of Assembly, is under heavy hammer for distributing motorcycle tyres to his constituents.

Idowu, who also serves as the minority leader, was seen in a crowded location presenting the tyres as a form of empowerment and support.

The video, widely shared on social media, has drawn criticism from Nigerians who argue that the gesture does not address the fundamental needs of the people.

Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their discontent, questioning the logic behind giving out motorcycle tyres when many recipients do not even own motorcycles.

Farmer Ika, one of the critics, described the initiative as an embarrassment to both the giver and the beneficiaries.

He said, “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.”

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

He remarked, “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.

Joshua Eze also criticised Idowu, arguing that the lawmaker should focus on more pressing issues such as insecurity, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

He said, “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 tires.

“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.”

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

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

StackedSam expressed frustration over the state of both leadership and followership in Nigeria, saying, “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.”

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

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

He remarked, “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.”

The controversy has continued to grow online, with many Nigerians calling for politicians to prioritise meaningful development projects instead of symbolic handouts.