The APC 2023 Senatorial Candidate for Benue South, Daniel Onjeh, has warned politicians and public officeholders against hoarding Federal Government (FG) palliatives meant to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
Onjeh while supervising the continuation of the palliative distribution in Otukpo on Monday, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for the fair distribution of the palliatives in Benue State.
Onjeh acknowledged the efforts of Governor Alia, describing him as a Governor of the people, with the people, and for the people.
He stated that the distribution was an initiative of the President Tinubu-led Federal Government, diligently implemented by Governor Alia across Benue State.
Onjeh stated that the beneficiaries were the less privileged, widows, orphans, and the most vulnerable members of society, asserting that the distribution aimed to transcend political boundaries, ensuring equitable benefit to members of all political parties and non-partisans.
The former Chairman, Governing Board of PRODA, Enugu, reminded the gathering of his commitment to serving the best interests of the Benue South people, urging the electorate to hold their federal legislators accountable for the well-over One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira each received from the Federal Government to procure additional palliatives.
Onjeh expressed concern that some politicians and public officeholders might hoard palliatives in secret warehouses, similar to what occurred with COVID-19 palliatives, tasking citizens to hold their federal legislators responsible for the transparent utilization of funds allocated for palliatives.
The APC Senatorial candidate advised federal legislators to distribute palliatives to educate citizens on the source of support and the benefits of the fuel subsidy removal.
He stressed the need for political actors to be patriotic and loyal to national causes, contributing to the success of the government’s policy direction.
Onjeh stated that the fuel subsidy removal, though causing short-term hardships, would lead to long-term benefits by redirecting funds to national infrastructure development, noting that President Tinubu’s budget presentation promises rapid development for Nigeria in the coming years, and requires patience from citizens.
“Besides, President Tinubu has only recently presented his first budget before the National Assembly, which holds great promise for the future of Nigeria.
“We are poised to witness rapid development in the coming years, but it will entail a lot of patience on the part of Nigerians, ” Onjeh stated.
The former student activist and President of NANS advised the people not to be deceived by the antics of egocentric public officials who may wish to take full credit for the palliatives released to them during the yuletide season, adding that the relief materials actually belong to the people; having been released by the federal government; and the public officials were only discharging the mandate of conveying the items to the right people at the grassroots.
He called for transparency in future palliative fund releases, with clear details on utilization to enable citizens to hold elected officials accountable.
Benue: Onjeh warns politicians, public office holders against hoarding FG palliatives – Onjeh