Group raises the alarm over alleged diversion of FG’s palliatives to Taraba

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By Callistus Agwaza in, Jalingo

A Non Governmental Organization (NGO) – Taraba Concern Citizens (TCC), has raised the alarm over alleged diversion of federal government palliatives sent to the 16 Local Governments and Development Areas of Taraba state for distribution.
Address a news conference on Sunday in Jalingo, the state capital,
Timothy Gayus, Coordinator of TCC and the secretary, Hamisu Salejo,
called on Governor Agbu Kefas to investigate the diversion of the food stuffs meant for didtribution to the needy and the vulnerable in the state.
The group asked the governor to probe the council chairmen who were handed the palliatives for onward distribution.
The TCC noted that there had been widespread allegations of diversion of the palliatives sent to Taraba state by the federal government to cushion the effects of economic hardship.
According to the group, the food stuffs include rice, maize, sorghum and garri, as well as fertiliser meant to be distributed to farmers.
The group alleged that the commodities were being sold in major markets across the state.
“We demand to know why the palliatives meant to be distributed free to the masses have dominated all the major markets in the state without getting to the locals”, Gayus said.
“Our question is that who sold them to the marketers? The palliatives were given to the state to cushion the present hardship the people are passing through, and not to be sold.
“The people are hungry, but the council chairmen choose to sell the palliatives.
“The people behind the diversion of the palliatives must be exposed and made to face the wrath of the law in order to serve as deterrence to others,’ the group said.
However,when contacted,Saviour Nokun,commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, said the government will do everything possible to unmask those behind the diversion.
“Due to the widespread outcry of alleged diversion of the commodities, I personally visited the Jalingo main market and found the commodities in some market stores.
“This is sad and I want to assure you that the government will do everything possible to unmask those behind the diversion,” the commissioner said.
Available records from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties shows that Wukari, Sadauna, Jalingo and Gasol LGAs were given 850 bags of rice, maize, milet and sugar, while other LGAs were allocated 800 bags each.

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