COVID 19: Ibom Patriots calls on FG to review sharing formula for Palliatives

A foremost body of eminent persons in Akwa Ibom State known as Ibom Patriots, has called on the Federal Government to review the sharing and distribution of palliatives and Conditional Cash Transfer to indigent families across Nigeria, tagged as ‘poorest of the poor,’ under this period of COVID-19.

The Patriots made the call through a press release which was jointly signed by the Chancellor, Obong Bassey Inuaeyen and the Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Useobong Akpabio with Chairmen from the three Senatorial Districts of Akwa Ibom State including: Dr. Okon Emah – Chairman, Uyo Senatorial Districts, Arc. Okon Obot – Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Hon. Adasi Obolum – Chairman, Eket Senatorial District.

Ibom Patroits in their press release, observed that the current method employed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) in sharing and distribution of palliatives and conditional cash transfer to indigent families across Nigeria is scandalous and has fallen short of transparency and sincerity; hence, should be overhauled and restructured to meet the desires of Nigerians. According to them:

“The sharing and distribution of palliatives and Conditional Cash Transfer to indigent families across Nigeria, tagged as ‘poorest of the poor,’ under this period of COVID-19, still leaves much to be desired…. Palliatives and funds claimed to have been disbursed by the Ministry vis-a-vis the Social Development and the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) are disputed. And where statistics on the reported distribution exercises fall short of transparency; the entire process should be overhauled. We urge the ministry and the agency to establish functional offices in 774 local government areas for its registration and distribution schemes. This will offer them credible sources of reaching out to the people, particularly their target; the poorest of the poor.”

The patriot said on good authority that billions of naira reportedly disbursed by the Federal Government could have been sufficient to go round virtually every household in Nigeria if decentralization and utilization of the constitutionally known channels were involved in gathering of data/registration of beneficiaries and disbursement.

They solicited the establishment of acceptable digital dashboard derived through the assemblage of all stakeholders from the established channels, adding that the gesture will guarantee transparent payment process devoid of manipulations by vested interests. Their words:

“The current beneficiaries of the programme ‘mined’ from the National Social Register (NSR), comprising State Register (NSR) of vulnerable households’ has been scandalous. Government must be seen to be transparent and its conduct must meet the desires of Nigerians.”