. debunks giving 3,000 bags of rice to politicians
Osun State Government has inaugurated a standing committee to distribute the federal palliatives to vulnerable citizens of the state.
Also, it debunked the rumour that it had shared 3,000 bags of the rice palliatives among politicians.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi stated this while addressing the media on the update on the palliatives.
The palliatives sent by the Federal Government to all the 36 states are meant to cushion the hardship being experienced generally by Nigerians following the withdrawal of petrol subsidy. They are for distribution mainly to the most vulnerable citizens.
President Bola Tinubu at his inauguration on May 29 had announced the subsidy withdrawal already effected by the administration of his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari, which he said did not make provision for subsidy in the budget handed over.
The announcement caused over 200 percent spontaneous increase in pump price to over N500. Before the removal, pump price was about N190 per litre.
Alimi warned the opposition from peddling unfounded rumors that government had received the palliatives and shared them among politicians, describing the claims as lies which should be disregarded.
He also hinted that the 5billion naira promised by the Federal Government to the state as part measures to cushion the effects of the subsidy withdrawal is yet to be received contrary to the rumors being peddled.
However, he said the state is expecting the second batch of the food palliatives of 14,320 bags of rice.
He said the reason for the press briefing was to clear the rumour by the opposition which has allegedly been sprwading unfounded lies about the palliatives.
His words: “The committee has just been inaugurated,by the Deputy Governor of the state, Prince Kola Adewusi on Wednesday.
“The committee is more concerned about the assignment. We have representatives from CAN, the Muslim Community, Labour, and other stakeholders
“The most important thing is that before, we had been telling you that we had received 2,400.
“As at today, we have received 3,000 bags of rice and we are still expecting over 14,000 bags of rice. In their own wisdom, they try to say it will be better to distribute 17,000 once rather than distribute the 3,000 bags that are on ground now .
“As at today, we heard that N5 bilion is given to each of the states. We have not received any kobo but we are expecting that it would be received. And I can tell you that immediately the money is received, our governor is always transparent, he will equally address the state on it.
“In Our account book, we have not received alert or any money in relation to the N5 billion palliative. What we have received in concrete term happens to be the 3,000 bags of rice. We call on stakeholders to dispel the rumour.
“We have only received 3,000 bags of rice at the moment . We are waiting for the remaining batch of 14,320 bags that will arrive in the next two or threes weeks time ”
Governor Ademola Adeleke is a very transparent person and he will ensure that the goods are distributed mainly for the vulnerable people in the state .”
Alimi who said the Deputy Governor has just inaugurated a committe to distribute the palliatives, said members of the committee were carefully selected from various stakeholders including the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Muslim leaders, and Labour Union among others
He explained that the state government is finalising the template for distribution which he promised will ensure that all segments of the society benefit from the distribution exercise.
According to him, “The Government wants to ensure full delivery before launching out on the distribution. We assure the public of transparency and accountability in the sharing of the foodstuffs to the citizenry”,
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi who represented the Muslim community said ,the 3,000 bags of rice received are intact and were yet to be distributed .
He urged the general public to be rest assured that as soon as the next batch arrives, they will be distributed accordingly adding that vulnerable people will be the first to be considered.
