The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has begun the distribution of palliatives to mitigate the impact of the state’s suspension of fuel subsidies.
At least 3,000 bags of rice (50 kg) were believed to have been distributed to political wards in the state in the first phase, while the state has begun distribution of the 12,600 bags received in the second phase.
During the flag-off event in Umuahia’s Micheal Okwara Auditorium, Otti stated that the food relief packages were intended for the lowest of the poor in order to mitigate the consequences of economic hardship on them, and that no government appointees should receive even a grain.
Otti, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Uche Anokwuru, added that the palliatives were only a show of empathy for the people as more sustainable initiatives were being implemented in phases.
While applauding the Federal Government and Abia State Government for the gesture, one of the beneficiaries, Samuel Maduabuchi, urged President Bola Tinubu to do more.