Nasarawa Assembly Probes Diversion Of Palliatives

Nasarawa State House of Assembly has set up a committee to probe the diversion of palliatives meant to cushion the effect of subsidy removal by some state government officials.

The Speaker, Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi made the promise during the House proceeding on Tuesday that those involved would be made to face the wrath of the law.

Some officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) were arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly diverting palliatives meant for vulnerable citizens.

The suspects were accused of selling the palliatives in the modern market in Lafia among others.

The speaker said the state assembly has set up a seven-man committee to investigate the alleged diversion.

The House resolution to set up the committee followed a motion of public interest brought by Hon Musa Ibrahim Abubakar ( NNPP- Doma South) to the effect.

The committee is headed by the deputy speaker, Hon Abel Bala, while Barrister Safiya Balarabe is to serve as the secretary.

Other members of the committee include  Hon Musa Ibrahim, Hon Barr Esson Mairiga, Hon Hajara Danyaro, Hon Luka Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House, Hon Daniel Ogazi and Hon Danladi Jatau.

The speaker gave the committee three weeks to do a thorough investigation and report its findings to the House for appropriate action. 

The speaker, who alleged that most of the palliatives, especially rice, are sold to traders and found in the market places, urged the committee to do a thorough job.

“ It is sad and very disappointing that some people are sabotaging the good intention of Mr President, Bola Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule in alleviating the suffering of the poor.

“ The  purpose of the palliatives is to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal. I don’t know why some people diverted most of the palliatives for their personal use and their families,” he said.

He called for attitudinal change among political leaders, stakeholders and other Nigerians for the country to move forward.