Wike Warns against Diversion of Palliatives for Vulnerable Persons

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned FCT stakeholders in charge of the distribution of palliatives against diversion of the palliative items for the vulnerable persons.

He issued the admonition Tuesday at the continuation of distribution of palliatives at Bwari Area Council Secretariat.

The minister, who was represented by the Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Ibrahim Aminu, said the palliatives plan is initiated by the Federal Government to lessen the effect of the removal of fuel scarcity hardship on the masses.

“This initiative is an integral part of the Federal Government initiative to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal that has resulted to increase in prices of food items in the market. We have recognised the challenges which is why we are expanding the distribution,” the minister said.

The items were also distributed at the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Gwagwalada Area Council.

The minister was represented at AMAC centre by the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Geidam, and at Gwagwalada by the Mandate Secretary of the Area Council Service Secretariat, Bitrus Garki.

He said that the commitment to sustaining the palliative distribution demonstrated the administration’s dedication to providing ongoing support to vulnerable residents in the FCT.

He stressed that the initiative was aimed at alleviating the financial burden caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and ensure that essential food items reach those most in need.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of AMAC, Christopher Maikalangu, urged the administration to allocate more palliative materials to his Area Council, as it was the largest out of the six councils in FCT.

He warned that all the materials received had been distributed at all the wards, ensuring that it got to those who deserved it.

The Chairman of the Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, urged economically viable residents to allow the less privileged people to get the items.

Gabaya insisted that the palliative was only for the poor or those who lacked the means of survival, threatening that poverty will come upon government officials and appointees that hijack the items.