News Digest– In a significant move to address the hardship faced by the people of Niger State amid the removal of fuel subsidy by Amhed Tinubu’s administration, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has declared the 6th to 8th of September as a public holiday for the distribution of palliatives across the state.
The governor who announced during a maiden press conference held at the Government House in Minna said that the distribution will be done at the polling units.
Bago further added that the state has received N3 billion as cash palliatives and five trucks of rice from the federal government. However, he also stated that the government is still awaiting a balance of N2 billion and 40,000 bags of maize from the federal government. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the suffering endured by the people, the state government has decided to augment the palliatives and ensure they reach the grassroots level.
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The governor emphasized that the distribution of palliatives would be carried out at the polling unit and ward level, involving various stakeholders such as public officers, civil servants, political appointees, political parties, and organized labor. The three-day public holiday has been designated to allow all these individuals to return to their local government areas and wards to oversee the distribution process.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Governor Bago sternly warned against any diversion of the palliatives or the funds allocated for them. He stated that anyone caught engaging in such practices would face severe consequences, including imprisonment.
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Under the distribution plan, each ward in the 21 local government areas would receive N10 million, while the wards in Bida, Suleja, Kontagora, and Chachanga local government areas would receive N20 million each. Additionally, N80 million will be allocated to traditional institutions, N75 million to support internally displaced persons (IDPs), N150 million to political parties to prevent diversion of the palliatives, and N110 million for logistics and security.
Addressing the issue of food shortages, the governor mentioned that the federal government is sending 40,000 bags of maize. To ensure equitable distribution, 10 bags of maize will be allocated to each of the state’s 4,950 polling units. The state government will also augment an additional 10,000 bags of maize for N575 million. In total, the value of the palliatives and augmentation will amount to N5,230,550,000, with the state contributing N230 billion to the federal government’s N5 billion.
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Governor Bago stressed the need for active participation in the palliative distribution process, stating that it should be everyone’s responsibility. He encouraged individuals to report any irregularities or misconduct, promising that those responsible would face legal consequences. The governor also emphasized that the funds should be used to provide essential food items that cater to the specific needs of each ward and local government area.
The distribution of palliatives is slated to begin on Monday, with the funds being transferred to local government accounts. Governor Bago urged all stakeholders to proactively engage in the process, ensuring that the wealth reaches the people and helps alleviate their suffering.
