Nasarawa sets up committee to probe ‘diversion’ of palliatives

The Nasarawa house of assembly has inaugurated a seven-man committee to investigate the alleged diversion of palliatives meant to cushion the impacts of the removal of petrol subsidy. 

The Department of State Services (DSS) had recently arrested members of a syndicate reportedly diverting palliatives in the state.

Speaking to the matter of public interest brought by Musa Abubakar, member representing Doma south, Ibrahim Abdullahi, speaker of the house, said any act capable of defeating the purpose of the palliatives would not be tolerated.

Abdullahi said most of the palliatives, particularly rice, were seen at marketplaces as they were sold to traders in the state.

He gave the committee three weeks to carry out a detailed investigation into the matter and uncover persons responsible for the alleged diversion.

“I will give you three weeks to do your work and report back to the House and all those involved must be invited at the committee level,” NAN quoted the speaker as saying.

“It is sad and very disappointing that some people are sabotaging the good intention of Mr. President and Gov. Sule in alleviating the suffering of the poor.

“The purpose of the palliatives is to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal. I don’t know why some people diverted most of the palliatives for their personal use and their families.

“Every leader has three judgements: judgement of the people, judgement of posterity and the judgement of God.

“We must do the right thing at all times so that posterity will judge us rightly, the people will also judge us right and also face God Almighty’s judgement with a free conscience.

“If we allow this thing to continue, people will judge us wrongly, posterity will condemn us and God Almighty will punish us.”

During the plenary, Musa Abubakar, a lawmaker representing Doma south, alleged that the palliatives allocated to the poor in his constituency were diverted by the individuals in charge of distribution.

“Mr Speaker and Hon. colleagues, it is a matter of public interest and very urgent. It is on the issue of the diversion of palliatives meant for the poor in the state,” Abubakar said.

“A list of the poor was generated and palliatives were distributed but the majority of the poor did not get the palliatives.

“Majority of the palliatives were diverted by those involved in the distribution and beneficiaries were also shortchanged in terms of the N5,000 as approved by the government to N2,000 and N1,500.

“The government said that the palliatives are for all, devoid of interest and irrespective of party affiliations.”

He called on the house to ensure persons involved in the alleged diversion are punished to serve as a deterrent to others.

Members of the committee include Abel Bala, deputy speaker of the house as chairman, Luka Zhekaba, minority leader and Safiya Balarabe as secretary.

Other members are Musa Ibrahim, Esson Mairiga, Hajara Danyaro, Daniel Ogazi, and Danladi Jatau.