By Hezekiah Ovedhe.
The National Secretary, Guild of Online Media Editors/ Publishers Of Nigeria GOMEPN, Omiragwa Akpovoke Otiti has Urged the Delta State House of Assembly to set up a seven-man committee to investigate the alleged diversion of palliatives meant to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy in Delta State.
Otiti made this call in his chat with newsmen. According to him, most of the first phase of palliatives,particularly rice, were seen sold in by traders.
He also urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to look into the matter and arrest those committee members of a syndicate reportedly diverting palliatives in the state, before the commencement of the second phase.
According to him, it is a matter of public interest: “It is sad and very disappointing that some people are sabotaging the good intention of Mr. President and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in alleviating the suffering of the poor, that such act is capable of defeating the purpose for which palliatives is initiated and would not be tolerated, especially from Political appointees”.
He said DSS should carry out a detailed investigation into the matter and uncover persons responsible for the alleged diversion. He said”: l don’t know some people are diverting most of the palliatives to cushion of the effects subsidy for their personal and family’s. This has made this made them feed from from the table of the poor.
“Every leader has three judgements: judgement of the people, judgement of posterity and the judgement of God.
“We must do the right thing at all times so that posterity will judge us rightly, the people will also judge us right and also face God Almighty’s judgement with a free conscience.
“If we allow this thing to continue, people will judge us wrongly, posterity will condemn us and God Almighty will punish us.”
“A list of the poor was generated and palliatives were distributed but the majority of the poor did not get the palliatives in Delta State, and now second phase palliative has been announced by the same committee members.
“Majority of the palliatives were diverted by those involved in the distribution and beneficiaries were also shortchanged in terms of the money as approved by the government.The government said that the palliatives are for all, devoid of interest and irrespective of party affiliations.”
“Let the Palliative Committee show Deltans, who and who received federal government’s palliative from them in the state”. He called on the House to ensure persons involved in the alleged diversion are punished to serve as a deterrent to others.