Nasarawa Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has taken the distribution of the Federal Government palliative to strongholds of the opposition in the state, insisting that the distribution is irrespective of political party affiliation.
Distributing the palliative in Akwanga, headquarters of Akwanga Local Government Area, on Thursday, Engineer Sule said he distributed palliative in Wakama, in Akun Development Area of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, as well as Gwanje electoral ward, in Akwanga LGA, two strongholds of the opposition that vehemently resisted his reelection.
He emphasized that being the Governor, he is a father to all citizens of the state and as such would not discriminate in the distribution of the palliative.
“These palliatives are to be distributed irrespective of political party affiliation. Beneficiaries are to be drawn from across the 11 wards. In Akun, those that I entrusted the distribution in their hands include the village head of Wakama, where it was said I recorded the least votes during the governorship election.
“I gave them to distribute to the people because it’s my responsibility as a leader who is a father to all, including those from Wakama and Gwanje in Akwanga,” he said.
In continuation of the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable people in the state, Engineer Sule personally witnessed the distribution of 50kg bags of rice, as well as N5000 cash given to each beneficiary, in Wamba, Akwanga Local Government Areas and Akun Development Area in Nasarawa Eggon LGA.
In Akwanga, the Governor distributed additional 1000 bags of 7.5kg bags of rice, with each beneficiary carting away four bags.
In each of the venues where 1000, 50kg bags of rice were distributed, Engineer Sule took the opportunity to explain the rationale behind the exercise.
“This is actually an initiative of our dear President Bola Tinubu, who has realized the hardship that is created as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy. He came up with the idea that every state of the federation would be given N5bn to go and provide palliatives.
“This N5bn is coming as N4bn in cash to every state and N1bn in the form of grains. In our own case, it’s maize that we are receiving for N1bn. So far, we have already received N2bn, and that is what we are using to provide these palliatives. The remaining N2bn would come in due course,” he stated.
He explained that, the state is also not left out in cushioning the impact of the removal of the fuel subsidy, as according to him, civil servants in the state would receive ten thousand naira allowance for the next six months. This would cut across both the state and local government levels.
Similarly, pensioners across both the state and local government levels would receive five thousand naira monthly for the next six months.
The Governor explained that, both the state and local government areas would incure additional expenses running for the next six months, to the tune of N4bn and N1.8bn respectively.
“This means that, in addition to the money from the Federal Government, the State Government is also spending another N4bn,” he stated.
Engineer Sule said it has become necessary to proffer explanations in Akwanga, his home local government because that is where his administration is facing relentless criticism.
The Governor said as soon as the State is in receipt of the balance of the remaining N2bn, the same exercise would be repeated across the state.
He appealed to the beneficiaries at the event to allow others to benefit when the grains are to be distributed.
The Governor used the opportunity of the event to appreciate traditional rulers, for their support towards ensuring that the exercise is carried out peacefully and in line with what his administration sought to achieve.
He equally commended the committee that organized the event in Akwanga, making it one of the best so far.
In his welcome address, Chairman, Akwanga Local Government Area, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, appealed to Engineer Sule not to allow for the distribution of the palliative through proxy.
Hon. Andaha insisted that all those shortlisted as beneficiaries from across the 11 wards, must appear in person to receive the palliative.
Earlier in a goodwill message, the Chun Mada, HRH Dr. Samson Gamu Yare, while appreciating the government for the gesture, however appealed to the beneficiaries to imbibe the spirit of showing gratitude.
The royal father noted that, it would not be fair for the people to collect the palliative and to turn around and be criticizing the government.