Subsidy removal: Cross River gov flags off palliative distribution

 

In an effort to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal, Cross River Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has commenced distribution of the first batch of palliatives.

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The items ranging from foodstuffs, seedlings and farming equipment including pesticides were distributed at the industrial park in Calabar, to the seven local government areas of the Southern Senatorial district of the state, while grinding and sewing machines were being awaited.

Otu remarked that the palliative was an initiative of the Federal government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).


The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, disclosed that the train of distribution will in a few days move to the central and northern senatorial districts, so as to cushion the effects of the hard times.

“We are aware that times are hard and since the fuel subsidy removal, prices of things have skyrocketed in the market and things have been difficult for our people.

“The Federal government has sent these to us to ensure that we give them out, this is for southern senatorial district and after here, we are moving to the central and northern senatorial districts to do the same,” the governor stated.

According to him, the palliative from the state government is different and would be coming soon as the present administration in the state is already collaborating with relevant stakeholders including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other Trade Unions to fashion out ways for the distribution.

While urging the citizenry to exercise patience as the distribution lasts, the governor assured that the items will get to all who need them as his administration will not stay and watch the citizenry go to bed hungry.

“It is not how much you have, but to care enough for the downtrodden while ensuring that what we get we release and distribute to all across party lines,” Otu assured.

Director General of Cross River SEMA, Chief Angela Odey, applauded the efforts of the President, Bola Tinubu and the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for the steps taken to check hunger amongst the citizenry.

“We have set up logistics for distribution to the various senatorial zones and local government areas in line with the ‘people first’ mantra of our state governor.