Mixed Reaction in Anambra as Soludo Rolls Out Subsidy Palliative

Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has announced incentives to cushion the effect of the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy. David-Chyddy Eleke writes about the approach, applause and criticism associated with the scheme.

Last week shortly after President Bola Tinubu announced the disbursement of N5billion to each of the 36 states as palliative to cushion the harsh effect of the removal of subsidy from fuel, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State quickly rolled out what has been described as an all encompassing strategy to help ameliorate the plight of citizens of the state.

Soludo in a statement he personally signed said: “Anambra State Government will be distributing rice to over 300,000 households in the coming weeks across the 326 wards in Anambra.

“The following highly vulnerable persons are exempted from all forms of taxation/levies. Hawkers, wheel barrow and truck pushers, vulcanizers, artisans, okada drivers, petty traders with capital of less than N100,000; etc.

“The IGR payments of all transporters; Keke, minibus, etc are hereby reduced by 20% with effect from September 01, 2023.”

Soludo said the mantra of his party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is; be your brother’s and sister’s keeper, and there is no better time to exhibit it than now.

“There is no better time to rise up to the full essence of our motto and ideological stance on behalf of the ordinary persons than now. In our 2024 budget, we shall roll out a more comprehensive agenda to address the medium to longer term issues that will help to smoothen the path for all our residents, and ensure that everyone shares in our broad agenda of building a livable and prosperous homeland.

“In the meantime and over the remaining four months of the year (September – December 2023) as well as within the context of our 2023 budget framework, we are rolling out a few immediate and medium term measures.

“Our response recognizes that the subsidy removal affects all citizens, especially millions of the unemployed and underemployed youths and vulnerable segments of the population. Our interim response reflects the need to target the total population,” the governor said.

Soludo added: “In our foresighted response to the rising inflation, our government had increased the salaries of all public servants by 10% effective January 2023. We have been paying the 10% adjustment since January 2023.

“In addition to the salary increase, we will be paying every pensioner and public servant in the employment of the Anambra State Government and the 21 LGAs (approximately 59,000 persons) for the period September 2023 to December 2023 a monthly flat non-taxable cash award of N12,000. This is to augment their monthly take-home.

“We will continue to clear the backlog of gratuity and pension of our pensioners. Recall that we met four-year pension and gratuity arrears when we assumed office, which we have been paying since assumption of office.

“We are determined to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure that Anambra residents benefit maximally from the myriad of palliatives being rolled out by Mr. President, including: providing our updated Social Register for Anambra residents to benefit from the FGN cash transfer, apply to attract a conditional grant of N50,000 to at least 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 21 LGAs of the State, support MSME and Startups in Anambra to apply for N500,000 – N1million soft loan each at 9% pa and repayable over a period of 36 months, among others.”

After the announcement by Governor Soludo, there have been commendation from diverse quarters, just as a few voices have risen to ask for clarification on the source of the palliatives, to avoid Soludo taking the shine off President Bola Tinubu, who is the originator and the provider of the palliatives.

A group, South-East All Progressives Congress (APC) Young Progressives Forum, in analysing Soludo’s palliatives to the state faulted the measures announced by the governor. In a press statement signed by its national convener, Pascal Candle, the group said Soludo’s address to the people of the state about the palliatives lacked transparency and accountability.

The group said: “The Anambra State Chapter of the South East APC Young Progressives Forum has noted the effort by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo to respond to the concerns we earlier raised as regards the food palliatives that the APC-led federal government extended to all States of the federation including Anambra State.

“We are not moved by those rhetorics, “I will, I will, I will”. Ndi Anambra wants to see action. The address by Governor Soludo did not address our key demand, which is for Prof. Soludo to state in clear terms if the said five trucks of rice the federal government distributed to each state has been received by the government of Anambra State or if we are still expecting the receipt of the five truckloads of rice.

“It is important that we track which rice, Mr. Governor intends to share to 300,000 households and the quantity. If the rice is from the Federal government, it is very important to let our people know so that the State Government will not claim it came from the state coffers. So, we are insisting that Governor Soludo categorically affirm or deny receipt of the five truckloads of rice from the Federal Government as other states like Kwara, Borno, etc have done.”

Away from queries, the governor has received accolades from diverse quarters over the intention to distribute palliatives.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has commended Soludo, describing his palliative measures as comprehensive. He said: “I am excited to commend the extraordinary efforts of our Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, for his exceptional palliative measures aimed at alleviating the hardships caused by subsidy removal. These initiatives highlight the unwavering commitment of the APGA-led government to prioritize the wellbeing of every citizen.

“I am delighted that the Anambra State Government will be distributing rice to over 300,000 households in the coming weeks, spanning across the 326 wards of our state. This significant gesture will provide much-needed support to families facing economic challenges during these uncertain times.

“Additionally, Governor Soludo has enacted various measures to ease the financial burden on our people. Basic education, from primary school to JSS3, will remain tuition-free for all public schools, ensuring that our children have access to quality education without placing an additional burden on households.

“To further alleviate the financial strain, the IGR payments of all transporters, including keke and minibus operators, will be reduced by 20% starting from September 01, 2023. This reduction will bring substantial relief to our transporters who play a crucial role in our daily lives.

“Governor Soludo’s vision extends beyond immediate relief, as he lays the groundwork for a brighter future for Anambra State. The ambitious plan to build and modernize primary health centres across all 326 wards is a testament to his dedication in providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to our communities’.

“Furthermore, the government’s commitment to infrastructure development is evident through the construction of over 340 kilometres of roads across all 21 local governments. These road projects will improve connectivity, enhance transportation efficiency, and boost economic growth for the benefit of all citizens.

“In another remarkable move, civil servants will enjoy free transportation, thanks to the Federal Government’s assisted CNG transportation initiative. This step ensures ease of movement for our dedicated public servants, allowing them to fulfill their duties efficiently.

“Very importantly, the provision of free antenatal services and delivery services to pregnant mothers in state primary health centers and general hospitals is a significant milestone towards ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and children in our dear state.

“The rolled-out palliatives are numerous. Let us applaud Governor Soludo for his tireless efforts in implementing these impactful measures. His commitment to the welfare and well-being of Ndi Anambra sets a remarkable example for other State Governors to emulate.

“Together, let us support our exceptional National Leader in his quest to uplift the lives of every citizen and build a prosperous and livable homeland in Anambra State,” Ezeokenwa further said.

Also, members of the organized labour in Anambra State, in a letter jointly signed by the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC)  entitled “Appreciation Letter”, thanked the governor for the gesture.

The letter read in part: “The leadership of the organized labour, Anambra State Council, on behalf of Anambra state workforce and pensioners, wishes to use this medium to express our profound appreciation to Mr. Governor, Prof Charles Soludo on the N12,000.00 per month cash award given to workers both active and retired, which will run from September to December 2023. 

“Moreso, the holistic nature of your palliative which cuts across all Anambranians: the employed, unemployed, less privileged, the market people, the sick and pregnant women, school children and students, the artisans and transporters are worthy of commendation. 

“Moreover, the approval for distribution of rice for over 300,000 households across the 326 wards in Anambra state is unprecedented. Furthermore, the absorption of over 70 workers of National Light Newspaper, is equally appreciated.”

The group also commended what they refered to as Soludo’s open disposition to the organized labour and his passion to meeting up the numerous challenges of workers in the state, saying the qualities are well appreciated. They pledged to partner with his administration to move Anambra State on the fast lane of development in all facets. 

Other individuals in the state have also commended Soludo on the decision. 

But as the state awaits the distribution of the bags of rice and other incentives, there will be need for Soludo to disclose properly the criteria for the distribution, especially as matters that concern the withdrawal of subsidy from fuel affect people in every strata.