Governor Siminalayi Fubara in a handshake with Mrs Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, Commissioner for Social Welfare & Rehabilitation while Amb. Desmond Akawor, Chairman of the State Palliative Distribution Committee looks on during the inauguration of the Committee.
By Dianabasi Effiong
Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has confirmed the receipt N2b and 16,800 bags of rice as part of the palliatives for the poorest of the poor to deal with the effect of the fuel subsidy removal in the State.
The governor made this known at the inauguration of the state’s Palliatives Sharing Committee in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He said that the money came from the Federal Government while the rice was put together and shared among states by the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).
“The country is at a cross-road because of the removal of subsidy which has brought much hardship in the lives and businesses of virtually everyone.
“For that reason, states, the federal government and other well meaning individuals are providing succour under the circumstance.
“In that order, the NGF in their bid to alleviate the situation, decided to distribute to each state, about 16,800 bags of rice. We are also in receipt of N2b, which is part of the relief measure.
“It is not just about sharing money, but applying it to something that will touch the lives of those that are in dire need, those going through much pressure at this particular moment.
“We will come up with a decision very soon, and we will give your (Committee) directive on what to do when the time comes,” he said.
On modalities for fair sharing of the rice, Fubara said, “the rice is not about party, it is about the state.
“We thought it wise and proper to bring in all the Local Government chairmen, since you represent your respective areas. You are not the LG chairman of the PDP, but the LG Chairman of your entire LGA.
“I won’t tell you what to do, but I think it should be a communal formula. My major charge to you is to ensure that in the course of discharging this duty, don’t tag it party.
“Though it may not solve the entire problem, but it will touch those who really need this support.”
He also said that Ambassador Desmond Akawor, the Chairman, Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was Chairman of the Palliative Distribution Committee.
“It is not because he is PDP Chairman, but because he is quite knowledgeable in handling these kinds of assignments and he does them very well. I have also taken the time to bring members of the EXCO in on this team.
“This is a call to service. Take it as a very serious assignment, as whatever you are doing will definitely rub off on us as a government,” he said.
In his response, Akawor said that it was obvious that “we are going through excruciating pains at this point in time in the history of this country”.
“For us to have been given this assignment, we consider it very solemn.
“For our state , we have already been doing this through various channels to alleviate the sufferings of our people. We give you one assurance; we will not disappoint you,” he said.
