Civil Societies Organizations Allege Fraud In Distribution Of Subsidy Palliatives In Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

Civil Societies Organizations (CSOs) in Ondo state have condemned shoddy and un transparent manner foodstuffs released under the subsidy palliatives by the federal government to the state are being distributed.

The CSOs noted that there exist too many committees which are handling the distribution to favour those that belong to them.

In a statement on Wednesday in Akure, the CSOs blamed this on the long absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, that just resumed from three months medical leave.

The statement, signed by  Franklin Oloniju, Pius Akomolafe, Alo Martins, Stella Ikeokwu, Emmanuel Daramola and Bola Fasuyi on behalf of the CSOs pleaded with the governor, now that he has resumed, to take over the distribution of the materials.

The statement stated that “The coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Ondo State strongly expresses its displeasure with the way and manner Ondo State Government is going about the distribution of Palliatives in the state.

“The process seems to be shrouded in secrecy and uncertainty. Following an emergency extraordinary meeting held on September 11, 2023, on the palliative distribution in the office of the Chairman Coalition of Civil Society in Akure, it was noticed that partiality and rent-seeking attitude pervades the entire process.

“We are shocked that the absence of the Executive Governor who was on medical leave, showed that the people he left were unable to effectively manage the process of the palliative distribution in a transparent and inclusive manner.

“However, we are happy that with the Governor’s return, he will bring saneness back into the process immediately.

“It is instructive to note that Ondo State Government initiated different groups and committees on the palliative issue in the state.

“One group was led by Chief of Staff to the Governor Mr. Gbenga Ale and another group led by Commissioner of Finance Mr. Akinterinwa promised the people of Ondo State that they would start receiving palliative as from the first week of September 2023.

“Also, on the 5th of September, another group was inaugurated by the Acting Governor to manage the palliative up to the Local Government Level in a bid to ensure equitable distribution.

“However, none of the groups mentioned has shown any appreciable headway in the palliative distribution to date.

“The CSO Coalition in Ondo State  implores the Government of Ondo State to be transparent and accountable to the people of the state in this regard as we are yet to know how the list of beneficiaries was generated, the amount to be paid as well as the commodities received from Federal Government for the people of the state.

“CSO Coalition, which also has spread across the 18 LGA in the state seem to be in the dark on this palliative distribution as was the case during the COVID-19 palliative distribution.

“We ask for inclusion, equity and fair play in the interest of the poor masses who are languishing in abject poverty owing to the effect of subsidy removal.

“We therefore appeal to our indefatigable Governor to step into this issue, our earnest prayer is that our amiable Governor enjoys long life in good health.

We hope these government officials have not forgotten the impact of the EndSARS protest in the State during which time the storehouse for COVID-19 palliative was broken into and items stored, looted by angry youths. We do not want a repeat of that incident.”