By Ayodele Oni
Kwara State Government has given a breakdown of the amount received from the Federal Government to the cushion hardship occasioned by subsidy withdrawal on petrol.
Governor AbdulRahman Abdurazaq, who is, also, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF), in a tweet, explained that “We have received N2bn out of the N4bn relief funds that the Federal Government released to states for the purchase of rice.
“This will be distributed en masse to vulnerable members of the public to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
“We await a balance of N2bn of the funds as well as N1bn worth of maize (40,000 bags) which the Central Bank of Nigeria is selling to each state from the national strategic reserve.
“It is however important to mention that 48% (N1,920,000,000.00) of the N4bn is a non interest loan that will be paid back over a period of 20 months at N120,000,000.00 monthly.
“Consequently, I have ordered the immediate purchase of rice in the value of the amount.
“For transparency and fairness to all, distribution of the palliatives will be overseen exclusively by a Committee headed by the Kwara State Police Commissioner Ebun Oluwarotimi Adelesi, who will be supported by the Emir of Shonga Dr. Haliru Yahya, religious leaders, civil society leaders, and other important stakeholders in the state.
“We also confirm receipt of the remaining three trucks of the bags of rice donated to our state by the Federal Government.
“The distribution has commenced through various channels of reaching out to the public, including lawmakers who represent the 24 state constituencies and other stakeholders in the state.
“I urge those we have saddled with the responsibility of distributing these palliatives to do so in the spirit of fairness to all, particularly to the most vulnerable persons, because it is simply impractical for everyone to get at the same time.
“Similarly, I appeal to members of the public to remain patient and calm as multi-layered steps are being taken in phases.
“These include huge interventions to support massive food production, local production of gas-powered vehicles, support for small and medium scale enterprises, manufacturing and other businesses, to boost the economy and ease the difficulties arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.
“I commend His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the several initiatives of the Federal Government to bring ease to the people. I reassure all Kwarans of our commitments to their welfare at this time and always.”
At the end of a meeting by the National Economic Council, (NEC) early this week, it was announced that each state including the federal capital territory, has been given N5 billion each as palliative to enable Nigerians absorb the effects of subsidy withdrawal.
Earlier, states had confirmed receipt of 3,000 bags of rice, as first consignment from the package put in place by the federal government.
Investigation revealed that distribution has commenced in various states with committee’s set up to handle allocation.
