Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has constituted a palliative distribution committee for immediate implementation of the federal government’s palliative programme in the state.
Inside Arewa reports that the Federal Government, last Thursday, announced the release of an N180 billion palliative package to states to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
Each state is expected to get N5 billion and 180 trucks of rice as part of measures to assuage the pains of the subsidy removal.
Mohammed said: “The palliative measure is about the people because they are really suffering. So the best way is to carry everybody along devoid of any political difference or sentiment. I assure you that the palliative measure will reach every nook and cranny of the state”
He said the distribution of the palliative would commence soon, adding that the committee would come up with the framework of how assistance will be rendered to the beneficiaries.
He said further that the committee will also address the payment of allowances to civil servants, payment of gratuities and pensions to retirees and pensioners, transportation, and procurement of food and non-food items.
According to the governor, the palliative committee will be headed by the Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Ja, tau.
“We have set up a committee under chairmanship of my Deputy with Head of Service, Chief of Staff, the Emir of Bauchi and other relevant Ministries and other stakeholders for the commencement of the implementation of the palliation programme of the Federal Government by states, everybody is aware that the Federal Government has given some money to states to ensure palliation is given to all the segments of the society as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.
“As usual, the Committee will work with all the stakeholders particularly our traditional institutions to ensure transparency and a just program distribution process,” he said.