Nassarawa Palliatives: Citizens Lament Over Meagre Food Items
Citizens of some local government areas in Nassarawa state have expressed their disappointment over the paltry food items that were distributed by the state government as palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. The food items, which consisted of one cup of rice, a pinch of broken spaghetti and a spoonful of palm oil per household, were widely criticized by the citizens as inadequate and insulting.
Some of the citizens took to social media to flaunt the ‘bountiful’ palliatives that they received from the government and compared them with the more meaningful stuff that they expected. They also accused the government of being insensitive and corrupt for hoarding and diverting the relief materials that were meant for them.
One of the citizens, who identified himself as Musa, said that he was shocked when he saw the food items that were given to him. He said that he had hoped for something more substantial that could sustain him and his family for at least a week. He said that he felt betrayed and humiliated by the government.
Another citizen, who gave her name as Aisha, said that she was angry and disgusted by the palliatives. She said that she had waited for months for the government to distribute the relief materials, only to receive a mockery of food items. She said that she wondered how the government expected her to survive with such meagre provisions.
The state government has not yet responded to the outcry and complaints of the citizens over the palliatives. The state governor, who had earlier announced that he had approved N500 million for the procurement and distribution of food items to vulnerable households in the state, has not issued any statement on the matter.
