Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, a renowned human rights activist, has advised the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Delta State that the N5 billion palliative released by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not exclusively meant for civil servants.
In a statement released on Thursday and obtained by Media Talk Africa, Agberen emphasized that the fund is intended to assist each state government in procuring food items for distribution, primarily targeting the impoverished, and not solely civil servants.
Agberen further lamented that the state government seems to be neglecting the fact that civil servants make up a small fraction of the population when compared to the number of unemployed and vulnerable individuals who are severely affected by the harsh economic climate prevailing in the country.
He pointed out that the elimination of fuel subsidies has resulted in a steep rise in the prices of essential commodities and services.
“Civil servants live more comfortably than the unemployed, most petty traders, and the elderly, along with other less privileged citizens of Delta State,” Agberen stated.
Agberen raised concerns about why the state government is exclusively directing the subsidy relief to civil servants while disregarding the destitute segments of society.
“Families can no longer afford three square meals and are also grappling with the financial burden that comes with the imminent resumption of primary and secondary schools across the state,” Agberen highlighted.
“How will they cope with school fees? How will they manage the requirements for the new session? It is an extremely challenging time for most families,” he added.
“The state government should exhibit equal compassion. It should ensure that everyone living in the state has equal access to the palliative measures,” Agberen urged.
“Undoubtedly, this current hardship has driven many individuals to resort to various forms of criminal activities. For instance, young girls are forced to engage in prostitution to meet their needs, while young boys are deeply involved in fraud, rituals, and various other acts of depravity,” Agberen expressed concern.
“The predicament of the people in Delta State is worsening, and neglecting a section of the state during this time represents the height of inhumanity,” he cautioned.
“The Delta State Government can consider monthly payments of twenty thousand naira (N20,000) to the unemployed and vulnerable individuals, as well as impoverished families in the state, for a specified period of time. Alternatively, it can procure and distribute food items to those families,” Agberen proposed.
“This will help alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, which has brought nothing but suffering and hopelessness to the people. Delta State belongs to all its residents, not just the civil servants,” concluded Agberen.
