By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The All Progressive Congress (APC), in Plateau State, has refuted claims by a group in the Niger Delta, saying that Tinubu’s appointee, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda’s during his ministerial screening as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation said that more attention will be given to the north.
The APC who spoke through its State Aching Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi said the Minister designate was misunderstood when he was answering questions thrown at him on how he planned to reduce poverty in the Country.
According to Bamaiyi, the Niger Delta Progressive Women Worldwide, Probably misconstrued the explanation by Nentawe, when he stated that available data shows that the level of poverty in the North is higher than that of the Southern part of the Country.
He said at no time did Nentawe say that more attention will be given to one part of the country against the other in poverty reduction.
Probably the group misconstrued the explanation by Nentawe, when he stated that available data shows that the level of poverty in the North is higher than that of the Southern part of the Country.
“As a matter of fact, that was not his opinion, but a source from the National Bureau for Statistics and other relevant agencies.
“Using the data from National Bureau for Statistics which states that 65% of the Country’s Poverty rate is in the North and 35% from the South, Dr. Nentawe posited that, there is the need to go beyond the figures and percentages in poverty reduction.
“He elucidated by saying that names and digital identity should be attached to those figures and percentages, in order to geo-partially recognize those living beyond the poverty line. By doing so, the ministry will be able to identify people living beyond the poverty line in each local government area, Ward and census enumeration areas by names.
“Suffice to say that, if the Minister designate had portrayed or made intended remarks in favour of any part of the country, the Senators could have checked him on the spot.
“After all, a prominent Senator from the Niger Delta, Ned Nwoko, came on National Television, the Channels, that same Wednesday, and showered praises on Dr Nentawe for his blueprint on Poverty Reduction.
“It is therefore not correct and misinformation to say that the Minister designate has a bias against any section of the country.
“Nentawe has an uncompromising interest in Poverty Reduction in the entire Country.
“Therefore the call to remove Nentawe from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction by the Niger Delta Progressive Women Worldwide, is baseless and should be disregarded”, he said.
