**Allow the poor to breathe, he begs
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has flagged off the 2024 first quarter distribution of food palliatives to the people as part of his efforts to address the current economic challenges occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
The governor flagged off the exercise at the Muhammadu Buhari Event Centre, on Tuesday in Lokoja with a warning to those saddled with the responsibility of distributing the palliatives to eschew hoarding or sale of the items.
He said that the relief materials were provided by the government to cushion the effects of the temporary economic hardship in the country and should be accordingly distributed to the people without hiccups.
He noted that the palliatives were meant for indigent people of the State, adding that his administration remained committed to serving the people with transparency and fear of God.
Ododo assured that the palliatives would be distributed in a transparent manner devoid of party, ethnic or religious biases adding that the target beneficiaries were the poorest of the poor in Kogi State.
“My administration will not allow any unpatriotic element to cheat the people. The Government has put mechanisms in place to track and apprehend those who plan to hoard the distribution of this food items.
“The palliative is not for APC alone, religious group or for ethnic agenda. It is for the people of Kogi State. I want to beg all of us to allow the poor breathe. I am part of them. I was raised from among them.
“I am committed to serving them, not as a leader but their servant. Political appointees will not benefit from these palliatives. They should also contribute to the society that made them”, he stated.
The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his quick intervention, saying that Nigeria is on its way to greatness under Tinubu’s leadership. (Ends)