***orders inmidate distribution of commodities to the public
By our correspondent
Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State on Tuesday directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties to distribute all palliatives laying in warehouses to the public.
This was in response to the recent media reports on alleged diversion of grains donated to the state by the Federal Government by government officials in the State.
The Federal Government had donated massive food commodities in many instances to the state as part of measures to cushion the effects of the current hardship occasioned by the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy.
The media had recently reported public outcry of alleged diversion of the palliatives, comprising bags of Rice, Maize, Guinea Corn and Fertilisers by the state officials, including local government Chairmen.
The media also reported that the commodities were allegedly re- bagged and sold to grain dealers in Jalingo while several bags of palliative and Fertilizer were sold to traders from neighbouring states.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Saviour Nokun confirmed to journalists that it was local government areas that first got the allocations adding that if there were cases of diversion then it should be the council Chairmen.
He further confirmed that because of widespread outcry of alleged diversion of the commodities, he personally visited the Jalingo main market and found such commodities in some market stores.
The governor’s directive which was monitored by our correspondent on Tuesday indicated that the order became effective as food commodities had been distributed to local government areas, Government agencies and religious organisations.
Most of the beneficiaries of the Palliatives commended Governor Agbu Kefas for being proactive in ensuring that the commodities got to the masses who have been surviving under unpalatable.
Mrs. Justina Audu, a widow and staff of ministry of justice who benefited from the distribution of the commodities said “We are grateful to the Governor for his kind gesture and zeal to alleviating the sufferings of the people”.