The Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has refuted claims that the distribution of palliatives by the state government was politically motivated. Mr Abdullahi Abdullahi, the Executive Secretary of SEMA and chairman of the palliative distribution committee, addressed these allegations in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe.
Residents had raised concerns that the palliatives were only given to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with allegations that APC executives at the ward level were in charge of the distribution, shutting out members of opposition parties. Hajia Halima Musa from Nasarawa community and Ms Rebecca John echoed these sentiments, expressing their disappointment in the one-sided approach.
Musa pointed out that the fuel subsidy removal affected not only APC members but also the wider population, questioning why the palliatives were exclusively reserved for them. John added that the state Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, had emphasized the importance of distributing the palliatives to the most vulnerable, calling for inclusiveness to avoid alienation.
Even a member of the Labour Party (LP) in Billiri community criticized the distribution, highlighting that the palliatives belonged to the state and should not be limited to a single political party.
In response, Abdullahi clarified that the palliatives were intended for all residents of Gombe state and not just APC members. He emphasized that the distribution was conducted fairly and targeted the most vulnerable individuals, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Abdullahi further explained that the beneficiaries were randomly selected from various polling units, ensuring a fair and unbiased distribution process. He dismissed the notion that the party had any influence in the selection of recipients.
Addressing the allegations that APC executives were involved in the distribution in certain wards within Gombe LGA, Abdullahi stated that he had not received any complaints regarding this issue. He assured the public that once the Federal Government’s palliatives arrive, they will cover a larger number of individuals, as the target is 420,000 beneficiaries.
