The distribution of palliatives across Nigerian states has become a subject of scrutiny and criticism, as state governments take charge of the program initiated by the Federal Government to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. The National Economic Council (NEC) defended the decision to involve state governments, emphasizing the need to ensure that the intended beneficiaries actually receive the palliatives. However, the opposition in Ogun State, like in many other states, has taken advantage of the situation to play politics and spread false information about the distribution process.
Despite the fact that stakeholders and residents across Ogun State have praised the palliative program as the best ever, the opposition continues to label it as a failure. Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized the state’s commitment to the program and explained that the distribution strategy was based on polling units rather than wards, to ensure equitable distribution. A committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor and comprising prominent individuals, was in charge of the distribution.
The Federal Government specifically stated that the palliatives were meant for the most vulnerable in various communities, not for everyone. The implementation committees in Ogun State worked diligently to target those who truly needed the assistance. It is important to note that the available quantity of 300,000 bags of rice cannot cater to the entire population of the state.
Various stakeholders, including Comrade Adesoji Alausa of Voters Right Agenda (VoRA) and Barrister Patrick Ogunnowo of the Centre for Justice and Democracy (CfJD), have commended the distribution process, describing it as carefully planned and effectively executed. They have also highlighted the need for more palliatives to reach a larger number of vulnerable individuals.
Unfortunately, some individuals, particularly those aligned with the opposition, continue to spread misinformation on social media. For instance, a man claiming to be the chairman of the Shokeye Community Development Association in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area released a video criticizing the palliative program and falsely claiming that a single bag of rice was meant for the entire community. Investigations revealed that the man had been given the bag of rice to pass on to a vulnerable widow, but he chose to twist the narrative for political reasons.
Despite the efforts of the opposition to discredit the government, stakeholders in Obafemi Owode LGA have come forward to debunk these false claims. Representatives from religious associations, market women, community leaders, youths, and others all confirmed that the palliatives were distributed according to the devised formula. The Council of Obas in the LGA and the Chairman of Obafemi Owode LGA also praised Governor Abiodun for overseeing a diligent distribution process.
It is crucial to ignore the unfounded claims of these opposition agents and encourage the state government to continue with their effective distribution strategy. The palliative program should not be tarnished by politics, but rather sustained efforts should be made to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society receive the assistance they need and deserve.
Dare Odufowokan is a political analyst and can be reached via
