Gov Alia Tackles TUC President On Palliatives

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has corrected the national president of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, on his recent comment alleging that the governor refused to utilise the wage award and palliative funds released to him by the federal government to cushion the current economic situation in the state.

In a press statement yesterday signed by the chief press secretary to Governor Alia, Tersoo Kula, Alia said the allegation by the labour leader was malicious and spurious.

“We have read in the papers malicious and spurious claims made by the President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Festus Osifo, alleging that the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has refused to utilize the wage award and palliative funds released to him by the Federal Government to cushion the current economic situation.

“It is safe to say that Festus made those spurious allegations from a place of imagination, or his outing was sponsored against the state governor.

“To set the record straight and guide Mr. Festus towards truth-telling, the palliatives meant for the state were judiciously put to use by His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Alia. This was achieved through the purchase of 100 buses for the state-owned transport company to ease transportation expenses for the masses. Additionally, the governor sourced funds and used the same for payment of WAEC and NECO registration fees for students in public schools.

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“Let it be known that the purchase of the 100 Hummer buses alone cost

the state more than the ₦2bn sent to the state for subsidy removal palliative. Transportation in the state has drastically reduced, such that routes that the fare was above ₦2,000 is now down to ₦1,000.

“These initiatives, among others, explain how the palliatives sent to

the state was effectively utilised.

“Contrary to Mr. Festus Osifo’s claims, it is evident, even to the blind, that Benue workers have witnessed positive changes since Governor Alia took office, and they are indeed content,” the statement said.