The governor of Akaw Ibom State, Mr Umo Eno, has inaugurated an 18–man committee to handle the distribution of palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the people in the state.
Speaking while inaugurating the committee in Uyo yesterday, Eno disclosed that the state had taken delivery of 3,000 bags of rice sent by the federal government
The governor charged the committee to ensure even and equitable distribution of the materials to all and sundry, especially the vulnerable in the society.
He also charged the members to evaluate and recommend to the state government other measures to add to the federal government’s palliatives.
He stressed that the distribution should be done with reference to economic realities and availability of funds in the State, within a time frame of two weeks.
“Apart from the recommendations, we have to know how you want us to make it trickle down so that you will also be part of the implementation not just for civil servants but for Akwa Ibomites generally, particularly to the most vulnerable, those who really need these things.
“I am going to make sure I do whatever it takes to ensure that we cushion the effects of all of these but it has to be within the capacity of the State Government”, he stated.
The governor said his administration was committed to workers’ welfare and expressed appreciation to the organised labour for the cooperation.
“We will continue to ensure that we energise our workforce because that is the engine room of government. We will handle every issue that has to do with gratuity and all of that.
“By the grace of God, there will hardly be any two months that we don’t do something about gratuity”, the Governor added.
The committee is made up of the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, as chairman, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong as secretary, chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Sunny James and fifteen other members drawn from government, organised labour and civil society organisations as members.
The terms of reference include providing in detail the measures of how the palliative materials would be distributed to positively affect the target population of the poor across the State; creating awareness on measures taken by the state government; and ensuring success in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of palliative measures, while upholding integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
