Pastor Umo Eno, the governor of the state of Akwa Ibom, has established an 18-person committee to manage the distribution of palliatives to lessen the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies on the state’s residents.
The governor gave members of the Committee instructions to ensure that materials were distributed evenly and fairly to everyone, especially the most vulnerable members of society, on Wednesday while launching the Committee in Uyo.
In addition to the palliatives provided by the federal government, Pst. Eno revealed that the state had received 3,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government. He then charged the Committee with evaluating those 3,000 bags of rice and making recommendations to the state government.
He emphasized that the distribution should take place within two weeks, taking into account economic conditions and the state’s financial resources.
“In addition to the recommendations, we need to know how you want us to trigger it down so that you can participate in the implementation, not just for civil servants but for Akwa Ibomites in general, especially for the most vulnerable, who really need these things.
He said, “I’ll make sure I do whatever it takes to make sure we mitigate the effects of all of these, but it has to be within the capability of the State Government.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to the welfare of workers in the state and thanked organized labor for its assistance, especially the peaceful protest on August 2 that he described as legal and in keeping with democratic principles.
We will keep making sure to energise our workforce because that is the heart of the government, he said. Every issue relating to gratuity and other related matters will be handled by us.
By God’s grace, the Governor continued, “There won’t be many two months where we don’t take action on gratuity.”
Speaking with reporters after the inauguration, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, praised the Governor’s honesty for keeping his word and appointing the Committee even before the ten-day period had passed. He also assured the Governor of labor’s support in ensuring that the state’s deserving residents receive palliative care.
The current cost of transportation, according to Comrade Sunny James, has put workers’ financial well-being in jeopardy beyond just food for the poorest of the poor. As a result, she urged the federal and state governments to consider palliative measures to also cushion such difficulties.
The Chairman of the Committee is Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government, Secretary for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Mr.dot Frank Archibong, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Sunny James, and fifteen additional members from government, organized labor, and civil society organizations.
