Osun inaugurates committee on palliatives

Osun State Government has inaugurated a standing committee charged with the responsibility of distributing palliatives given by the Federal Government to residents of the state.

The government, however, said it is yet to receive the N5 billion promised by the Federal Government to the state as part measures to cushion effects of fuel subsidy removal, contrary to rumors being peddled by the opposition.

The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, stated this while addressing the media on the update of the palliatives said the state government had received 50 kg of 3,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government, and that the state is still expecting additional 14,320 bags of rice and 3,000 metric tonnes of maize.

Alimi denied the rumour that 3,000bags of rice received as palliatives were been shared among politicians.

The commissioner said that members of the committee comprises of representatives of leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Muslim Community, labour union, market women and Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria(IPAC) 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.

According to him, “The committee has just been inaugurated, by the Deputy Governor of the Prince Kola Adewusi on Wednesday. The committee are more concern about the assignment We have representative, CAN, Muslims Community Labour leader and other stakeholders

“The most important thing is that before we have been telling you that we have received 2,400 as its today we have received 3000 bags of rice and we are still expecting over 14,000 rice plus. In their own wisdom they try to say it will be better to distribute 17,000 once rather than distributes 3,000 that on ground now .

“As it is today we heard that N5bilion is given to each of the states, we have not receive 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 will equally address state on it.

“In our account book we have not receive alert or any money in relation to N5 billion palliatives. What we have received in concrete term happens to be 3000 bags of rice. We called on stakeholders to dispel the rumour.

“We have only receive 3,000 bags of rice at the moment .we are waiting for the remaining batch of 14,320 bags that will arrive in next two or threes weeks time. Governor Adeleke is a very transparent person and will ensure that the goods are distributed mainly for vulnerable people in the state.

“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 represents 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.