BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Osun State Government said it has inaugurated a committee to spearhead the distribution of palliatives given to the state by the Federal Government to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal.
The government dispelled speculation that it has hoarded the bags of rice and maize received by the state for citizens, adding that it was also yet to receive the sum of N5billion palliative announced by the Federal Government for 36 states of the country.
Addressing a press conference at the Governor’s Office briefing room at the Government Secretariat in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in the state, Kolapo Alimi, said Osun had received 3,000 bags of rice so far, adding that the state was expecting additional 14,000 bags from the Federal Government.
Alimi disclosed that the Deputy Governor of the state, Kola Adewusi inaugurated the committee on Wednesday on behalf of the governor, adding that it comprises of leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria in the state, Muslim Community, persons with special needs, Labour movements, market women and Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria in the state.
He said the committee would meet and fashion out ways of distributing the grains to the poorest of the poor in the state without rancour.
Fielding questions from journalists, Alimi stated, “Before today, we have been telling you that the Osun State Government received 2,400 but as it is today, we have received 3,000 bags of rice. We are expecting over 14,000 bags. The committee in their wisdom has decided to wait until the entire 17,000 bags of rice are received and distributed across board.”
“As per the other monetary aspect of the palliatives, we heard that N5 billion would be given to each states of the federation but as I speak with you, we have not received any kobo but we are expecting and we believe it will come. But I can assure you that once we receive it, our governor is transparent and we will call you journalists to brief you.
“No state has received any money as we speak but let me speak for Osun State that as it is today, we have not received any alert in relation to the N5billion palliative. What we have received in concrete terms is the 3,000 bags of rice. That is why we called stakeholders in the state who are members of the palliative distribution committee to know the situation of things as we address the press. There is nothing like hoarding of palliatives.”
A member of the committee who is the chairman, Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi further debunked insinuation that palliatives were secretly kept away from citizens and assured transparency in the distribution.
Olawuyi confirmed that the state had received 3,000 bags of rice and that the committee decided to wait for the reception of the remaining 14,000 bags of rice so that the distribution would be holistic.
Some other members of the committee who spoke maintained that the food items would be channelled to those who really need them.
