Set Up Committee to probe alleged diversion of first phase palliatives, GOMEPN Urges DHTA

The National Secretary of Guild of Online Media Editors/ Publishers Of Nigeria GOMEP, Omiragwa Akpovoke Otiti has called on 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

Otiti made his position known in a chat with newsmen. He said, of the first phase of palliatives, especially rice, were seen at marketplaces being  sold to traders in the state.

He also called on the Department  of State Security Services(DSS) to carry out a detailed investigation into the matter and uncover persons responsible for this.

He said, once these are identified, they should be arrested by Department of State Services (DSS) before the commencement of the  second phase

According to him, it is a matter of public interest saying, it is very sad and disappointing that some people are sabotaging the good intention of Mr. President and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in their bid to alleviate  the suffering of the poor Nigerians. He said, such an act is capable of defeating the purpose  for which àpalliatives  are  initiated and  that would not be tolerated, especially from political appointees.

He said, the  DSS  should also carry out a detailed investigation into the matter and uncover persons responsible for the alleged diversion.

He said": l don't know why some people are diverting most of the palliatives to cushion of the effects of  subsidy for their personal and family's use. This has made them feed from the table of the poor. 

“Every leader has three judgements: judgement of the people, judgement of posterity and that of God.

“We must do the right thing at all times so that posterity and people can judge us and face God's  judgement with  free conscience.

“If we allow this thing (bad)  to continue, people will judge us wrongly, posterity will condemn us and God Almighty will punish us.”

According to him, 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.

He said:" 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.”

He said, the  palliatives committee should show Deltans, those who actually received federal government's palliatives from them in the state. He therefore called on  the House to ensure persons involved in the alleged diversion are brought to book and let them face the wrath of the law and by this, others would learn.