How LP-led Abia Government Shares Federal Government Palliatives Among Party Members: Residents Lament | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Abia Residents Accuse LP Of Giving FG Palliatives To Members | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Residents of Abia State have voiced strong allegations against the Labour Party (LP) government, accusing them of distributing Federal Government palliatives exclusively to party members. These claims arise despite assurances from the state government that the palliatives were equitably distributed across all 17 local government areas.

The grievances were prominently aired during a popular radio show, Real Matters, on Flo FM, where numerous callers expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the palliatives. Callers criticized what they perceived as a lack of transparency in the distribution process, and some even alleged that the palliatives were being sold by government officials.

One of the callers, Ikenna from Ututu, alleged that the palliative distribution, which reportedly occurred in March, was biased in favor of Labour Party members. "Officials only handed out the rice to members of their party," Ikenna remarked, further accusing the state government of neglecting the truly needy in the process.

Similarly, Chi Chi from Ubakala accused local officials of selling the rice meant for the general populace. "Some of the men that came to share the rice were selling it to villagers," she revealed, highlighting the deep frustrations within the community over the alleged misappropriation of essential aid.

The claims have raised serious concerns about the transparency of the palliative program. Many rural residents, who are among the most vulnerable, have reportedly not benefited from the palliative distribution. One such resident, Mr. Ugochukwu Okwara, lamented the exclusion of his family from the program. "We only hear things like this on the radio. 

They claim they've distributed it four times, but I haven't received a single grain of rice," Okwara said, adding that the situation was similar for many others in his area.

These accusations come despite reassurances from the Abia State Government. Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Policy and Intervention, maintained that the distribution process adhered to the highest standards of transparency.

According to Anokwuru, the state received 16,800 bags of 50 kg rice and 13,260 bags of maize from the Federal Government, with the maize being swapped for additional rice, bringing the total to 30,800 bags. The state government also reportedly augmented the supplies with an additional 4,800 bags.

Anokwuru further explained that the palliatives were distributed in four batches, with the final batch arriving in June. Despite these efforts, the allegations of favoritism and corruption have cast a shadow over the process, with many citizens calling on Governor Otti to intervene directly to ensure fairness and equity in future distributions.

As the accusations continue to mount, it remains to be seen how the state government will address these concerns and restore the trust of its citizens in the ongoing palliative programs.