By Imelda Osayande
In Edo State, the distribution of palliatives has become a contentious issue, with allegations of segregation and exclusion of African traditional and cultural believers.
The controversy has left many feeling marginalised or completely overlooked.
. “As a traditional worshipper, I feel like our beliefs are not respected,” said Victor Idubor, a `Chief Priest’’.
“We are not asking for special treatment, just equal access to assistance”, he said.
Another stakeholder, culture believer, Mr Aico Oboibafo, said “I feel neglected and excluded from the distribution process,
“Our people are also in need of assistance, but the government seems to focus only on Christians and Muslims as well as its political party members.”
Traditional institutions and worshippers are united in their call for inclusivity.
“We are not against helping those in need, but the government should not marginalise our people,” said Mr Jude Osayande a concerned citizen, adding: “We also have families to feed and bills to pay.”
Chief Osazuwa Osayande, a community leader, decried what he described as the exclusion of African traditional believers, describing it as a violation of their rights.
“We demand equal treatment and access to palliatives”, he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Meanwhile when protesters in Urora, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, looted one truckload of rice they alleged that politicians were diverting what belonged to the masses to their cronies.
Some stakeholders such as former Edo governor now Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole have also frowned at the manner Edo government has handled palliatives distribution alleging, exclusion and diversion..
Oshiomhole while featuring in a television programme alleged that 30,000 bags of rice donated by Dangote Foundation to the state were being re-bagged with the state government logo and sold by the state government.
“This is heartbreaking, especially since the Dangote Foundation donated 30,000 bags of rice to the state government as part of its social responsibility’’, Oshiomhole alleged.
Mr Osazee Edigin, civil society activist, also claimed that the state government’s approach to palliatives distribution was discriminatory and neglects the diversity in the state.
Mr Chris Nehikhare, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation said Edo government did not buy rice, rather it provided N2.2bn for purchase food and other items for the vulnerable.
He said the rice was distributed according to the list provided by Local Governments, while part of it to Internally Displaced Persons, less privileged, vulnerable and others.
Rev. Olu Martins, Deputy Director Media, Asue Ighodalo Governorship Campaign Committee, said Edo government did not receive 20 trucks of rice from the Federal Government.
Edo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare, initially said the government did not receive rice from the Federal Government.
“We only received grains and garri from the federal government, not rice,” he had said on a live television programme.
But following interventions by the Minister of Niger Delta Affair, Mr Abubakar Momoh, Nehikhare admitted that the government indeed got truckloads of rice from Federal Government.
“On the issue of the Federal Government giving us rice, I will tell you, a few months ago, maybe early this year or late last year or mid-this year, they brought some trucks of rice.
“They were distributed according to the formula that they be sent to IDP camps, different people, and orphanages’’, Nehikhare told newsmen in Benin recently.
But Edo government further saying the distribution of its palliatives has no political or religious undertones, insisting the equity and fairness have been the watchwords.
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said the food palliatives being distributed periodically for the vulnerable in the state has no political undertone.
“There is no political undertone in this programme but a genuine interest for the poor. Thank God the people here are not politicians, I don’t have any politician here with me and I am not contesting an election.
“You could see the transparency with which they have run this programme compared to what the federal government claims they are spending on palliatives.
“This is like drop of water in the ocean. If we do things properly in this country despite the challenges, things will work well’’, said Gov. Godwin Obaseki while inaugurating the second phase of distribution of food for the vulnerable.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders emphasise the need for inclusivity, transparency and accountability in the process.
They say Edo government should review its distribution strategies to ensure that no citizen is left behind.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Edo residents say they will not tolerate segregation, exclusion, and diversion of palliatives.
In a statement, Mr Osazee Edigin urged the Edo State government to review its distribution strategy to include African Traditional and Cultural believers, emphasising that inclusiveness is key in any democratic governance.
The Edo palliative distribution controversy highlights the need for inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance. The government should listen to the people and take immediate action to address issues raised.
By doing so, the government would ensure that the programme achieved its intended objectives and makes a meaningful impact on the people. (NANFeatures)
