End Hunger Protest – FENRAD demand for unbiased committee to investigate disbursement of FG palliative in Abia State 

Stanley Ihedigbo

One of the leading Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, Foundation For Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), has demanded for unbiased committee to investigate the disbursement of Federal Government palliative in Abia State.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nwafor, they  write to the Governor of Abia, Dr.  Alex Otti, to expressed their deep concern about the disbursement of the palliative from the Federal Government subsidy removal palliative and other support to state.

He said that the palliative was intended to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable citizens, but unfortunately, its distribution has been marred by controversy and allegations of mismanagement.

“The former Abia Finance Commissioner, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, has made shocking allegations about the distribution process. According to Oriaku, the palliative distribution was characterized by corruption and favoritism, with some individuals receiving multiple benefits while others were excluded. This is unacceptable and warrants immediate attention.

“Furthermore, Oriaku alleged that the most vulnerable members of our society, including the elderly, widows, and orphans, were excluded from the National Safety Register. This is a grave injustice that must be addressed. The National Safety Register is meant to identify those who need support the most, and it is unacceptable that those who need it most were excluded.

“In light of these concerns, we urge the establishment of an unbiased committee to investigate the disbursement of the Federal Government palliative. This committee should comprise independent and reputable individuals who can ensure a thorough and transparent probe into the matter. The committee should investigate the allegations of corruption, favoritism, and exclusion, and make recommendations to ensure that the palliative is distributed fairly and transparently,” he lamented.

The Human Rights Activist advised the state governor to take immediate action to address these concerns and restore the trust of the people in his  administration.

“The establishment of an unbiased committee is a crucial step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in the disbursement of the Federal Government palliative. We emphasize that transparency and accountability are essential in governance, and it is your responsibility to ensure that the resources meant for the people are used for their benefit.

“FENRAD previous baseline analysis showed that household fiance has continued to shrink since the 2020 pandemic amid rising inflation and soaring food insecurity occasion by fuel subsidy removal. Abia State unemployment rate stand at 56% while Poverty level stood at 35%. Abians had fallen on the hard time due to rising cost of perishable goods and the continuous failure of Niara

“FENRAD as a pro poor organization call on the Governor to review the distribution of the palliative and ensure vulnerable groups who are receiving end of the Economic hardship are not short changed.

“We request that you take immediate action to address the concerns raised and ensure that the palliative is distributed fairly and transparently. We also request the committee should make public the names of those who have received the palliative across the 17LGAs and the criteria used for selection.

“We look forward to your prompt response and action on this matter. We hope that you will take this request seriously and take immediate action to address the concerns raised to cushion the effects of worsening food crisis and inflation in the country by making sure the palliative distribution are done transparent and mechanism for accountability put in place to checkmate corruption and favouritism in the system,” he stressed.