Nigerians have been advised to not only look up to the federal government to solve the problems of the country but also make their governors accountable. In doing that they have been asked to engage the governors and ask them for the palliatives that the federal government has been sending to the states to be distributed to them.
The Minister of State for Steel Development, Uba Maigari said this on Wednesday, the eve of the planned protests against hunger amd bad governance. He said Nigerians should demand food items from their governors, as the federal government has taken remedial measures to ensure that the hardship currently being experienced is addressed.
Maigari at a town hall engagement with stakeholders ahead the protest against hunger and hardship in Taraba State disclosed that several tonnes of rice and fertilizers have been released to state governors for distribution.
He said that state governors have received the palliative items and should be questioned on the distribution strategy to the intended population.
According to him, “As journalists and professionals, do your job by asking state governors, starting from our brother here (Governor of Taraba State).
“The president directed the release of rice and fertilisers in large quantities directly to state governors, whether they are PDP, APC, or APGA.
“He has taken delivery of fertilisers the federal government sent to governors, and there is also rice delivered to governors across the country.
“These are some of the remedial measures, including the new minimum wage, which has just been signed into law before the long-term economic programmes and policies of government begin to benefit all.
“As a government, we are not against protest because we are democrats, but we are appealing that the youths should be patient and avoid being used by proponents of division.”
The Taraba State ALGON Chairman, Dr Aminu Jauro, who was also there pleaded with residents of the state to shun the protests.
His fears were that the proposed protest has the tendency to undermine ongoing efforts directed at developing the country. He said it could also give the impression that there is disunity at a time when solidarity and support are crucial.
He said, “I urge the youths, women, clubs, and associations within Jalingo local government to acknowledge and support the positive strides of the Executive Governor, by refraining from participating in the scheduled protest.” He, therefore, appealed to those planning the protest to “Let us instead come together to engage in constructive dialogue, work collaboratively, and support the continuous progress of our state.”
