Dispute between two government ministries in Osun State is delaying the distribution of the palliatives sent by the Federal Government to the most vulnerable citizens of the state, it has been learned.
Meant to alleviate the hardship occasioned by the petrol subsidy removal, the controversial palliatives said to have arrived since August 5, were in five trailers laden with essential food supplies.
However, what was meant to be a relief has given rise to a fierce disagreement between the Ministry of Special Duties and the Commerce Ministry over the responsibility for overseeing the distribution of the provisions.
It was also revealed that the contentious issue has not only delayed the distribution of the much-needed supplies but has also intensified tension between the two ministries.
The kernel of the disagreement, it was learned, seems to be a power struggle as both parties contend for the control over the distribution process.
A confidential source said: “I can confirm that not less than five trailers have been delivered to the state. Though I cannot disclose the location of the warehouse for security reasons, I don’t know why they have not been disbursed.”
When ontacted, Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for Governor Ademola Adeleke, reportedly acknowledged the receipt of the federal aid.
He was said to have reassured that the state government intends to unveil its distribution strategy once the remaining bags have been received.
He reportedly said: “Part of the palliatives were indeed delivered to the state, but we have not announced it because we are expecting the remaining ones.
“I can assure you that proper announcement and distribution would be made once the last batch is received”.
The delay in distribution has raised an eyebrow among concerned citizens, who are questioning the transparency and efficiency of the relief effort.
