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Tag: Palliative

  • Follow The Money accuses 35 Govs of concealing palliative money

    Follow The Money accuses 35 Govs of concealing palliative money

    Leading anti-corruption body, Follow The Money, FTM has accused 35 state governors in the country of hiding the N9 billion palliative and infrastructure development funds provided by the federal government saying that only Plateau State has been open on the money.

    FTM co-founder, Hamzat Lawal speaking in an interview said Nigerian governors have kept mum following confirmation of the receipt of the money which came as N2 billion for fuel subsidy removal palliatives and N7 billion for infrastructure development.

    Noting how FTM sent Freedom of Information, FOI requests to all 36 governors to confirm their receipt of the money and the utilization of the same, he said:

    “It is only one governor, which is the Plateau State governor that responded to our FOI request,” who he said asked for time to respond.

    “After two weeks, I got a detailed correspondence from the executive governor’s office giving us details of the beneficiaries for the N2b and also details on how they were intending to spend the N7b on capital projects for infrastructural development.

     

    “We have also deployed people within Plateau State to go and verify one on those who were beneficiaries of the palliatives and two on the deployment for the infrastructural development projects.”

    Noting the failure of the 35 other governors to account for the money, Lawal said:

    “As I speak to you, 35 state governors have not acknowledged let alone provide information. Mind you, under the law they are mandated to respond within seven days but as I speak to you, they have not acknowledged let alone respond.

    “And they have collected N7b for infrastructural development and N2b for palliatives support for the removal of fuel subsidy which is N9b. why are they not saying anything. Why are they not accounting for this money.”

    Noting that focus had been on the Federal Government and not on States, he said:

    “This is where the state assemblies come into play. I always say that without the state House of Assembly and the National Assembly we don’t have a democracy because that’s where they ensure check and balance.”

    “What’s supposed to happen is for the state assemblies to call for public hearings. Mind you we have public account committees that are chaired by opposition parties. Why are the public account committees not calling for public hearing and holding the executive governors accountable.

    “We cannot have 35 state governors and think that they are above the law. The FOI Act is clear, they are mandated and compelled to respond to us. This is worrisome. When you have executive governors who think that they have undertaken or have collected a state that is mired with debts.”

    “If we cannot hold our state governors accountable what will happen is that we will now have state captures and that will lead to anarchy. That is totally unacceptable. I hope that organisations like SERAP will hold the governors accountable.”

    “When the minister of finance first made the announcement some of them (governors) came forward to say that they didn’t get the money. But now that they have all gotten the money, they have all kept mute, gone deaf, they don’t want to respond.

    “Obviously, there is something for them to hide because when public officials are not willing to give information, that is tantamount to corruption. That means they have something to hide. If they don’t have something to hide like the Plateau State governor, they would have provided these detailed information.”

  • Video: Three Nasarawa State University students d!e over government palliative

    Video: Three Nasarawa State University students d!e over government palliative

    Following the recent flag off of the distribution of 2 bags of 7.5kg rice and N5,000 each as palliative to students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

    Three students have been confirmed de@d in a stampede at the school’s convocation square, where they were asked to come and pick up bags of rice sent as palliatives by the state government.

    The distribution of the bags of rice for the students took a different turn as the place became rowdy, and students forced their way into the premises and started carting away as many as their hands could hold.
    The rush resulted in a stampede, with many students trampling on one another.

    See the video below:

  • Delta flood victims receive relief materials, palliatives from NDDC+Photos

    Delta flood victims receive relief materials, palliatives from NDDC+Photos

    As part of efforts to address the current economic realities in the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) on Friday distributed palliatives and relief materials to communities of the twenty five local government areas of Delta State who were greatly impacted by the 2022 flood disaster.

    Delta State representative on the board of the NDDC, Hon. Monday Igbuya representing the Chairman of the board and Chief Executive Officer noted that the initiative was part of swift responses by President Bola Tinubu in addressing the plights of victims of flood now grasping with the present economic crunch.

    Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Sapele Athletic club in Sapele, Delta State, Igbuya said the palliatives were aimed at cushioning the hardship faced by the flood victims.

    “You remember the flood happened in 2022 and as you know President Bola Tinubu was not in office then, so was the NDDC Managing Director and Chairman of the board. But, when the issue came up, he graciously approved this relief operation,” Igbuya said, noting that even though it happened in 2022, the victims were still in the throes of the aftermath.

    He said the President’s Renewed Hope agenda made it imperative for the commission to reach out to the victims most of whom are still faced with mounting challenges from the disaster.

    Hon. Igbuya maintained that the NDDC is committed to programmes that would affect the people positively, emphasizing that the board is engaging in activities that truly reflect the peoples needs and mandate of the board.

    He pointed out that the welfare of the people is paramount noting that despite the fact that the 2022 flood took place in the previous government, the board is guided to deliver optimally and deliver people oriented programmes for the growth and development of the Niger Delta region.

    Truckloads of items distributed include bags of rice, bags of beans, mattresses, vegetable oil, noodles, toiletries, tomatoes paste, boats, cassava milling machines, sewing and grinding machines, salt, among other relief materials.

    The community leaderships across the 25 local governments of Delta State, including women groups and youth groups were on hand to receive the relief materials.

    Speaking at the event, Mr. Onoriode Ogodo of Sapele-Okpe community while thanking the NDDC said “the items will go far in supporting those who lost homes and means of livelihoods during the floods.”

    Mr. Felix Emuobo, president general of Elume community in Sapele LGA, said “with the materials in the right hands, we can rebuild and support our people through these difficult times. I commend the NDDC for their effort towards bringing relief to us.”

  • Orji Kalu’s rice not FG’s palliative – Aide

    Orji Kalu’s rice not FG’s palliative – Aide

    The Sen. Orji Kalu Media Office says the 30,000 bags of rice and cash donated by the senator to 13 villages in Igbere community is not part of Federal Government palliative.

    The office stated this in a statement by Mr Emmanuel Odoemelam in Aba on Monday.

    “The Senate Committee Chairman made the gesture out of his magnanimity as such has lasted since 1986 before he joined politics.

    “He personally supervised the sharing formula of the largesse to make sure no group was short-changed.

    “The palliatives were personally funded and not from federal government,” he said.

    He said that Kalu had the human heart to make the lives of his constituents worth living.

    “He is doing everything possible to reduce the pressure of the harsh economic situation on his constituents,” he said.

    He advised those making such insinuations to cease but appreciate commitment toward enhancing the people’s wellbeing.

    “When it is time to share constituency projects, such will be announced publicly.

    “Kalu is a detribalised global citizen who thinks of humanity first as all categories of persons have felt his impact as a senator,’’ he said.

  • Gov Soludo’s unique formula to sharing rice palliative – Paul Nwosu

    Gov Soludo’s unique formula to sharing rice palliative – Paul Nwosu

    Finally, all the 21 Local Governments Areas of Anambra State have taken deliveries of their Rice Palliatives according to the timetable prepared by the Anambra State Palliatives Supervisory Committee and approved by
    Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR.
    Subsequently, the Local Governments have, since three weeks, commenced the orderly and peaceful distribution of the rice to the 326 Wards who would in turn strictly diffuse them down to the “Umunna” or kindreds, in line with the well thought out script by the Solution Governor. And that is the clincher which has separated the boys from men, the masters from apprentices and the mentors from mentees.
    This methodology seeks to leverage on our native social structure to ensure that the rice palliative reaches the dregs of our society.
    This is the first time a formula of this nature has been introduced in dispensing social welfare, targeted at the most vulnerable class in this country.
    To better appreciate what is happening in Anambra State, one must juxtapose the well choreographed distribution of rice palliatives in the State with the disturbing videos from around the country – the chaos that accompied the exercise tended to defeat the purpose of the well intentioned policy. You find a situation where a consignment of rice is being mobbed by the supposed beneficiaries. Naturally, the strong subdued the weak and make away with greater part of the produce while the actual vulnerable and weak ones contended with rice, spilled on the sandy floor as a result of the melee.
    For the distribution process to be devoid of rancour, Governor Soludo insisted that the exercise must be non-discriminatory. So, the Local Government and Ward Committees included the Transition Committee Chairmen, all the political Party Chairmen, the Clergy (Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal), Traditional Rulers, President Generals, political appointees from the area and Councillors.
    Unlike before when such largesse are distributed only to those in Awka or those who are able to travel to Awka, Ndi Anambra are so grateful to Governor Soludo for standing his ground that the poor and truly vulnerable must be the core beneficiaries of this rice palliative.
    In the days ahead, we’ll bring  you reports, photos and short videos of Ndi Anambra smiling home with their bags of rice to celebrate the Christmas.
  • Borno governor, Zulum promises to continue giving palliatives till end of tenure

    Borno governor, Zulum promises to continue giving palliatives till end of tenure

    The governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum supervised the distribution of N275 million in cash, food items, and wrappers to 95,000 residents in Monguno town of Monguno Local Government Area in the northern part of the state.

    It was gathered that during the distribution on Tuesday and Wednesday, 55,000 women were each given N5,000 cash and a wrapper, while 40,000 male heads of household received 25kg of rice and 10kg of beans.

    Recall that Monguno was displaced by Boko Haram insurgents about eight years ago before it was recaptured by the Nigerian military. Monguno hosts IDPs from the four local government areas of Kukawa, Guzamala, Nganzai, and Marte.

    “Monguno is one of the local government areas severely devastated by Boko Haram insurgents. The population here is huge and they have limited access to agricultural land. For this reason, we decided to provide palliatives to all residents living in Monguno,” Zulum said.

    The governor has promised to continue the distribution of palliative throughout his tenure in order to support communities severely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Zulum expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for supporting the Borno State Government with rice through the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC).

    The governor also acknowledged support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Customs Service.

    Dignitaries present during the distribution include the House of Representatives member for Marte, Monguno, and Nganzai, Bukar Talba, Managing Director of the Chad Basin Development Authority, Abba Garba, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, and his Agriculture and Natural Resources counterpart, Bawu Musami.

    Others include the Director General of SEMA, Dr. Barkindo Aliyu Muhammed; Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring, Baba Bukar Gujibawu; General Manager of the Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mohammed Musa Aliyu; and Chairman of Monguno Local Government, Mohammed Kyari.

  • Rebranding Nigeria’s Social Relief Efforts: Why we must shift from “Palliative” to “Social Interventions” – Amb Oluwafemi

    Rebranding Nigeria’s Social Relief Efforts: Why we must shift from “Palliative” to “Social Interventions” – Amb Oluwafemi

    Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Africa Development Study Centre, ADSC, Ambassador Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, has adduced reasons why President Bola Tinubu should rebrand Nigeria’s social relief efforts from palliative to social interventions.

    Ambassador Oluwafemi gave his reasons in an open letter he wrote to President Tinubu entitled: Rebranding Nigeria’s Social Relief Efforts: Why We Must Shift from “Palliative” to “Social Interventions” where he martialed his points on the urgent paradigm shift to social interventions from palliatives.

    Hear him:

    “Change is inevitable, but progress is intentional. In Nigeria, we have seen remarkable strides in political and economic reforms, particularly with the visionary leadership of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

    ” Yet, one area where I believe we can do better is how we label our social and economic relief efforts.

    The Pitfalls of “Palliative”

    “The term “palliative” has become synonymous with governmental and non-governmental programs aimed at providing short-term relief. Unfortunately, this term encourages a transient mindset, suggesting that these efforts are mere stopgaps and not part of a broader, sustainable strategy for improvement. This mindset is dangerous because it can deter long-term investments, both intellectual and financial, that are needed to address complex social issues.

    Why “Social Interventions”?

    “Social Interventions” is not just a replacement term but a paradigm shift. Unlike “palliative,” which implies a temporary measure, “Social Interventions” infuses our social and economic relief programs with a sense of permanency and strategy. This change in nomenclature can stimulate a shift in mindset from band-aid solutions to long-term planning and implementation.

    Language and Policy: An Inextricable Link

    “Words shape the lens through which we see the world. They mold our perceptions, influence our actions, and by extension, shape our policies. If we continually speak in terms of palliatives, we unintentionally ingrain the belief that our problems are insurmountable in the long term. However, by adopting the phrase “Social Interventions,” we encourage a culture of strategic planning and systematic change.

    Aligning with President Tinubu’s Economic Vision

    “The call to change our vernacular resonates with President Tinubu’s transformative economic initiatives. Since taking office, the President has been a beacon of progressive change. From lifting the visa ban with the UAE to encouraging foreign investments, President Tinubu’s economic policies aim for robust, sustainable growth. It is imperative that our social programs, and the language we use to describe them, align with this vision for a more prosperous Nigeria.

    Next Steps and Public Engagement

    “To bring about this critical change in discourse, I urge policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups to adopt “Social Interventions” as the new norm. The Africa Development Study Centre will also be proactive in this regard by hosting workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to enlighten the public and stakeholders on the importance of this linguistic shift.

    A Call for Collective Action

    “The task of repositioning Nigeria as a powerhouse of social and economic stability is colossal and cannot be accomplished by one individual or entity. It requires a collective effort. I call upon all stakeholders, including political parties, business leaders, and the general public, to join hands in this national rebranding effort. Support for President Tinubu’s economic initiatives must go hand-in-hand with an internal reevaluation of how we discuss and implement social change.

    “By embracing this new terminology, we can foster a mindset that is aligned with long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. Such a shift will not only be semantically significant but will also have tangible impacts on the effectiveness and reach of our social and economic programs.

    “As President Tinubu leads us towards a brighter economic future, let us also lead ourselves by being mindful of the language we employ, thereby enriching our national discourse and paving the way for a new chapter in Nigeria’s socio-economic story.

    About Africa Development Study Centre (ADSC)

    The Africa Development Study Centre is a premier research organization committed to shaping policy and fostering innovation. We believe in a future where language and action are harmoniously aligned to bring about sustainable solutions for Africa’s challenges.

    In closing, we should never underestimate the power of words, especially when they have the ability to shape our nation’s future. Let’s make this change today, for a more prosperous tomorrow.

  • Palliative ‘wahala’: Watch moment Nigerians struggle to collect foodstuffs

    Palliative ‘wahala’: Watch moment Nigerians struggle to collect foodstuffs

    A video clip showing Nigerians in Gwada Ward located in Niger State, North Central struggling to collect foodstuffs tagged palliative.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the clip clearly depict a scramble for palliatives that can never be enough.

    WATCH:

  • House of Reps dismisses NLC’s allegations of N100m palliative for lawmakers

    House of Reps dismisses NLC’s allegations of N100m palliative for lawmakers

    The House of Representatives has dismissed a statement credited to the National Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Christopher Onyeka that each member collected N100 million as palliative.

    Rep. Akin Rotimi, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Onyeka had claimed that the executive arm gave N100m to National Assembly (NASS) members as palliatives.

    Rotimi said the claim was baseless and devoid of any factual accuracy, adding that transparency and truth in public discourse were necessary for a functioning democracy.

    He expressed doubt if Onyeka was conveying the official position of the NLC on the claim, adding that it was nonetheless important to correct such misinformation.

    “We state categorically that Onyeka lied in his claim that National Assembly members were given N100m as palliatives.

    He said at no time did members received any money from the executive arm as palliatives, adding that the statement should be considered as malicious, irresponsible, and in bad faith.

    He said it was most unfortunate Onyeka would misrepresent facts in a bid to lend credence to otherwise valid demands of the NLC, while seeking to denigrate NASS, and incite the public against the institution.

    According to him, the House of Reps demands an immediate retraction of this lie and a public apology from the NLC.

    “The NLC as a critical stakeholder in the development of Nigeria has a voice and it risks delegitimising that voice if it is found to include fables in its legitimate agitations.

    “We wish to remind the NLC and indeed all Nigerians that in less than 100 days in the tenure of the 10th Assembly, we have demonstrated our commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and all Nigerians.

    “In addition to other measures, the House of Reps speedily carried out requisite legislative action on the executive arm of government’s request for approval of funds for palliatives for Nigerians, ” he said.

    He said the House had consistently advocated for the executive to expedite the palliative measures to reach vulnerable Nigerians effectively and efficiently.

    He said the House had also added its voices to the call for an immediate review of the minimum wage, while urging NLC to see NASS as partners rather than adversaries.

    He said the House remained committed to advancing the well-being of Nigerians, while empathising with them on account of the pains being experienced due to the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.

  • Fuel Subsidy Removal: FG’s palliative highly insulting to Nigerians – PRP legal adviser, Mahmoud Aliyu

    Fuel Subsidy Removal: FG’s palliative highly insulting to Nigerians – PRP legal adviser, Mahmoud Aliyu

    The National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Redemption Party, (PRP), Professor Mahmoud Aliyu, has noted that the palliative measures put in place by the federal government to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal is highly insulting to Nigerians.

    Aliyu made this comment at a media chat organized by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kwara State in Ilorin, on Friday.

    He said that FG should empower Nigerians to feed themselves rather than give palliatives to them which will only serve as a short-term solution.

    “The government needs to do the needful to allow them to have access to a good life, palliative is not the answer to our problems,” he declared.

    The PRP chieftain, who also spoke on the state of the nation also condemned the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS for attempting  to  use force to push out the Junta government in Niger.

    He charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure Nigeria first before attempting to secure Niger Republic.

    He said, “bandits invaded a village in Niger State days ago and killed at least four or five people while others were maltreated by the bandits and nothing has been done to secure the country.

    “It is morally, spiritually and politically wrong, the situation now in the country is pathetic and dangerous.

    He claimed the current ruling class has been recycling themselves since 1999 and have turned government into a barber’s chair, saying that money politics is now prevalent in Nigeria.

    “The Emilokan declaration at Abeokuta, in Ogun State, prior to the 2023 elections, marked the highest point of money politics in the country.

    The PRP legal adviser described the eight years of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a disaster in the country in the areas of insecurity, education, health and rule of law, amongst others.

    He described the PRP as the oldest political party existing currently in the country and the only party that could rescue the people out of the present socio-economic and political predicament with its socialist programmes.