Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, says the state has received N2 billion from the Federal Government as palliative to cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal.
Fubara, who spoke on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, said the State also received 16,800 bags of rice from the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).
His words: “The country is at a cross-road because of the removal of subsidy which has brought much hardship in the lives and businesses of virtually everyone.
“For that reason, states, the federal government and other well-meaning individuals are providing succour under the circumstance.
“In that order, the NGF in their bid to alleviate the situation, decided to distribute to each state, about 16,800 bags of rice.
“We are also in receipt of N2 billion which is part of the relief measure. It is not just about sharing money, but applying it to something that will touch the lives of those who are in dire need, those going through much pressure at this particular moment.
“We will come up with a decision very soon, and we will give your (committee) directive on what to do when the time comes.
“The rice is not about party, it is about the state. We thought it wise and proper to bring in all the local government chairmen since you represent your respective areas.
“You are not the LG chairman of the PDP but the LG chairman of your entire LGA.
“I won’t tell you what to do but I think it should be a communal formula. My major charge to you is to ensure that in the course of discharging this duty, don’t tag it party.
“Though it may not solve the entire problem, it will touch those who really need this support.”
The Governor noted that the appointment of the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, Desmond Akawor, as Chairman of the palliative committee was not done with any political considerations.
He added that the PDP Chairman was given the task because he is “quite knowledgeable in handling these kinds of assignments and he does them very well”.
The governor tasked the committee to take the assignment “very seriously” because their action would rub off on the Government.
In his response, Amb. Akawor noted, “We know we are going through excruciating pains at this point in time in the history of this country. For us to have been given this assignment, we consider it very solemn.
“For our state , we have already been doing this through various channels to alleviate the sufferings of our people .We give you one assurance; we will not disappoint you.”
