By Francis Nansak, Lafia
Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule on Tuesday flagged-off the distribution of palliatives to the people of the state as earlier promised by the Federal Government.
The palliatives comprising food items were distributed to the people as measures to mitigate the hardship arising from the removal, on May 29, of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
New National Star report that the food items comprising rice, vegetable oil, spices and noodles provided by both the Federal and State governments, were distributed at a ceremony in the palace of the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Sidi Bage Muhammad I.
Governor Abdullahi Sule reiterated that the exercise, which will be replicated in Akwanga and Keffi on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, is targeted at bringing succour to the people from the hardship being experienced across the country over the removal of fuel subsidy.
The governor said the choice of palaces for the distribution was informed by the scope of the palliatives which is for all citizens of the state regardless of political affiliation.
“The reason why we continue to go to palaces, is first, this is not an event for our party, the APC, this is an event for all political parties, for all the people of Nasarawa State irrespective of political affiliations.
“This is an event for us to distribute food items to the people of Nasarawa State, irrespective of their political affiliations. In fact, I was telling the Commissioner jokingly that I want to see the women of APGA, NNPP, and PDP in front.
“I want to be the one to give them their own first. So that we can start from there and then go to other political parties.
“This is just to show you that we are very interested in carrying everybody along. And we are very interested in taking the responsibility bestowed on us by the Almighty Allah. The responsibility is to care for all the people of Nasarawa State, irrespective of political affiliation,” he added.
He pledged to ensure that the food items reach the desired destination as the government has engaged various religious bodies, royal fathers, members of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), community members, youths and women groups, as well as officials of government in the sharing arrangement.
Governor Sule noted that aside the food items, his administration has similarly made plans to take care of civil servants in the state.
The State’s Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties for Humanitarian Services and NGOs, Hon. Margaret Elayo, called on those charged with the responsibility of sharing the palliative to discharge their responsibility with sincerity and fear of God.
The Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area, Hon. Aminu Muazu Maifata and Emir of Lafia, lauded the Governor and President Tinubu for bringing succour to the people.