Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has flagged off distribution of the second phase of palliatives to the people of his state, barely two weeks after it commenced transfer of N5,000 monthly to indigent citizens.
The governor pointed out that his respect for the citizens was borne out of the regard for them as his boss.
Oyebanji also rallied support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the removal of the fuel subsidy, clarifying that the policy was not intended to punish the citizens, but to fortify the economy for a greater and prosperous future.
Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti on Friday while flagging off the distribution of the second tranche of the palliatives to the indigenes to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on them.
Addressing the beneficiaries at the Government House ground, Oyebanji said one year has gone by in the life of his administration, promising that the remaining years will be better in terms of greater economic prosperity, infrastructural development, and improved standards of living of the populace.
“But if our government is doing something you don’t like, kindly tell us, we are not infallible. Tell the political appointees or elected people in your constituencies, they will tell us, so that we can correct ourselves. You are the one who voted for me, you are the boss and not me”.
The governor declared that the commodities comprising rice and maize, to be distributed in the second phase, were provided by the Federal and state governments to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal.
Oyebanji said: “I have told you that I will always lead you with truth. Our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent some palliatives to you and we bought some to be able to go round. It is a partnership between the federal and state governments.
“These palliatives are for the poorest of the poor and whoever can take three square meals daily without stress should please resist the temptation of taking from these palliatives. It is for those who can’t afford that.
“We have also begun the distribution of N5,000 stipend to some poor masses, they will receive this for three months, just to reduce the current pressure. All these are just palliatives pending the time we will take concrete measures to address the current situation”.
Oyebanji added: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked us to tell you that subsidy removal is to make our future better, not to punish us. It could have been better if the past administrations had removed the subsidy.
“So, I plead with you, continue to pray for President Tinubu and my government. Let me tell you that Ekiti is the first state to distribute the second batch and we will continue to reach out to you as we get these in batches from the federal government”.
The Governor added that apart from palliative distribution to the poor, those running poultry businesses will receive trucks of maize to make them thrive and contribute to economic development.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
