27th August, 2023
Some residents of Bauchi, Gombe and Dutse have warned the state governors against politicising Federal Government’s palliative fund to ensure successful implementation of the programme.
They also called for the engagement of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders to mobilise participation.
The stakeholders including civil society activists, academics and government officials made the call while responding to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on implementation of the FG’s N5b palliative to each state of the federation.
The federal government had initiated a comprehensive palliative programme to support Nigerians and businesses to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
Mr Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman, Association of Non-governmental Organisations (ANGO) in Gombe State, stressed the need for the state governors to shun political considerations in the palliative programme.
He said it was imperative for the state governments to ensure inclusiveness to achieve its objectives since the programme was meant for Nigerians.
He said that the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and other organisations should be engaged to avoid turning it into a party affair.
“We should exercise caution in the implementation of the palliative so that it doesn’t generate tension because poor handling might create problems.
“This is part of the advice issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), asking governors of the north-east to prioritise distribution of relief materials to strengthen security gains in the insurgency-ravaged region,” he said.
According to him, fairness, equity and justice in the distribution exercise will thwart security threats and build confidence in the system.
NAN reports that Gombe state governor, Inuwa Yahaya confirmed that the federal government released N2 billion out of the N5 billion approved for the state.
Also, Mr Garba Jinjiri, Chairman, Network of Civil Society Organisations (BASNEC) in Bauchi State has advocated inclusion of the CSOs in the palliative distribution committee to promote inclusiveness.
According to Jinjiri, the organisation is working with relevant agencies to fast track smooth implementation of the programming in the state.
“We expect the community structure to be involved in the composition of the committee but we are not carried along,” he said.
For, Mr Abdullahi Yelwa, an economist, the federal government’s N5 billion palliative to states was to enable them to assist their people.
Yelwa advocated for the active engagement of local government councils in the palliative programme.
Mr Danlami Haladu, Secretary, Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), applauded the inclusion of entrepreneurs in the palliative programme.
He expressed optimism that the government would ensure that the palliative reached the targeted population.
NAN