Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has issued a stern warning to members of the palliative distribution committee, cautioning them against diverting the relief materials meant for the people. He emphasized that anyone found guilty of diverting palliatives would be jailed, and the government had already obtained a summons from the court as a deterrent.
The governor made this announcement during a press conference where he announced the commencement of palliative distribution in the state. He declared a three-day public holiday for the distribution, which would cover various wards, units, and local government areas. He also directed public servants to go to their constituencies to ensure the proper distribution of relief materials.
The items for distribution include N2 billion received from the Federal Government and five trucks of rice. The governor emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring that the distribution is carried out transparently and fairly.
Additionally, Governor Bago revealed the state’s long-term plan to boost agriculture by allocating 10,000 hectares of arable land in every local government of the state. This initiative aims to engage 500,000 youths in farming activities by December 2023.
The governor’s stern warning against diverting palliatives underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the distribution of relief materials, especially during times of crisis or emergencies.