Abia Govt Reveals How It Will Share N2b, 3000 Bags Of Rice Palliative Received From FG | READ DETAILS

The Abia State government led by the Executive Governor Dr Alex Otti, has said that out of the N5billion palliative promised by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, it has received only N2billion and three thousand 50kg bags of rice.

Responding to an inquiry on the palliative, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Chinedu Ekeke in a statement he signed, explained that the two billion naira was received on August 17, however, none of the palliative have been shared yet as plans are being made to ensure that a proper sharing formula to the most vulnerable persons is made.

Ekeke assured Abians that while the government awaits the balance of the N5bn, the N2bn received so far would be used for the purpose which it was intended.

“Of the N5b promised by the Federal Government, I can confirm that we have received two billion naira on Thursday August 17. We are still expecting the balance. We will use the entire money for the purpose intended. We may, however, have to find out from our people if they particularly want the items that were mentioned by the Federal Government or if we can adjust the list accordingly. For instance, if our people prefer beans to maize which is not so much a staple food in Abia, we may have to get for our people bags of rice, beans, and fertilizers instead of rice, maize, and fertilizers. In taking the decision, we will be guided by what our people want” the statement read in part.

He assured also that the distribution of the palliative will not be based on party membership or affiliation but for all Abians.

The statement read in full;

Dear Nnamdi,

Our attention has been drawn to a letter you addressed to the Governor and we are impressed as it demonstrates your active interest in the welfare of Abians. This aligns with our interest which is to substantially improve the welfare of our people.

Yes, Abia State has received the five truckloads of rice. At 600 bags per truckload, this amounts to 3000 50kg bags of rice. These 3000 bags of rice have not been shared yet, but we are working on how to distribute them to ensure that they get to the target members of the society—our most vulnerable ones. Be sure it will be handled transparently.

Of the N5b promised by the Federal Government, I can confirm that we have received two billion naira on Thursday August 17. We are still expecting the balance. We will use the entire money for the purpose intended. We may, however, have to find out from our people if they particularly want the items that were mentioned by the Federal Government or if we can adjust the list accordingly. For instance, if our people prefer beans to maize which is not so much a staple food in Abia, we may have to get for our people bags of rice, beans, and fertilizers instead of rice, maize, and fertilizers. In taking the decision, we will be guided by what our people want.

Regarding procurement, we will, of course, first attempt to source for the items locally. Patronage of local goods is at the center of our administration’s procurement policy. Therefore, we will only look outside if local production is unable to meet our demand.

Dear Nnamdi, Dr. Otti is the governor for everyone, not only those who voted for him. Ours is a multi-party democracy which confers on its citizens the right to vote for any political party or candidate they want. It will be irresponsible of our government to use party membership or affiliation as a requirement for accessing the palliative.

Once again, we are a government for all Abians, and we will work hard to keep their trust. Let me assure you that the items will be shared to everyone in the most need of them, irrespective of political affiliation.

Thank you for your interest in the welfare of Abians.

Chinedu Ekeke
Deputy Chief of Staff
Government House, Umuahia.