Coronovirus: MOSOP calls for transparency in palliatives distribution

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has faulted the approach of both the federal and state governments in the distribution of palliatives meant to cushion the effects of the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic in Ogoni saying “a large majority of people were excluded from the distribution and did not receive any support from the government”.

A statement by the Acting Secretary-General of MOSOP, Alex Akori said while the distribution of the palliatives was a good initiative, its purposes were defeated by the methods used in the distribution process, the lack of transparency and a seeming use of the programme as a political tool.

“While commending private individuals and families who share the little they have to support each other, the distribution strategy adopted by both the federal and state governments were not transparent creating room for sharp practices,” the MOSOP statement said.

MOSOP in the statement said there was little or no information circulated to communities and the pattern of distribution followed political party affiliations.

“Information on the palliatives distributed by both the Federal Government and State Government circulated basically within party circles and excluded the larger majority of the people”

MOSOP called for a new approach to the distribution to ensure that every citizen can access the support materials.

It suggested that the supplies be directed to designated stores nationwide at controlled prices while the distribution to homes of indigent members of society be handled by credible organizations such as the Catholic Mission and other religious societies who have been engaged in such activities even before the Coronavirus outbreak.