The N5 billion palliative granted to states by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just for civil servants, according to Amb. Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, a human rights activist, who has spoken to the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of Delta State.
He explained that it was to assist each state government in obtaining food supplies for distribution, mostly to the underprivileged rather than only to the civil workers.
He claimed in a statement signed and made available to OBASANJO NEWS24 on Thursday that the state administration had overlooked the fact that the number of civil servants was insignificant compared to the number of unemployed and vulnerable individuals who were more adversely affected by the nation’s current depressing economic status.
He pointed out that the withdrawal of the gasoline subsidy has had a detrimental effect on the costs of goods and services.
The unemployed, the majority of minor traders, the elderly, and other less fortunate Deltans all have better lives than civil workers, he claimed.
He questioned why the state government is just providing a subsidy palliative to governmental officials and disregarding the poor.
Families are struggling to pay for three square meals and are worrying about the obligations that will come with the impending start of elementary and secondary school in the State.
“How will they pay for the school expenses? How are they going to handle the demands of a fresh session? Most families are going through a difficult period.
“The State Government ought to exhibit equal sympathy. Every person residing in the State should have equitable access to palliative care.
“There is little doubt that the current poverty has driven many people to commit crimes at different levels. For example, a young girl may sell her body to meet her necessities, while a young lad may engage in serious fraud, rituals, and other depraved behaviour.
“The conditions of Deltans are getting worse, and leaving a part of the State at this time is the height of inhumanity.
The Delta State Government may provide poor households in the State that are unemployed or vulnerable with 20,000 naira (N20,000) per month for a set period of time, or it may purchase food to provide to those families.
“This would lessen the impact of the reduction of fuel subsidies, which has only left the people in anguish and hopelessness. Delta State is for all of its residents, not only for government employees.
