‘Give only those who qualify’ — Fubara inaugurates palliative distribution committee in Rivers

September 1, 2023 7:11 am

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, in a handsake with Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, commissioner for social welfare & rehabilitation while Desmond Akawor, chairman of the state palliative distribution committee looks on during the inauguration of the team on Thursday

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says the state has received N2 billion from the federal government as a palliative to cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal on the residents.

Fubara, who spoke on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, said Rivers also got 16,800 bags of rice from 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,” the governor said.

“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 N2 billion 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 who 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.”

Fubara warned the committee set up to distribute the palliatives to be fair and just, noting that the items must be given to only those who qualify.

“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,” he said.

“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, it will touch those who really need this support.”

Fubara said Desmond Akawor, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, who heads the palliative committee was selected not because of politics.

He added that the PDP was given the task 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,” he said.

The governor asked the committee to take the assignment “very seriously” because their action would rub off on the government.