The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has established an 18–person committee to manage the allocation of palliatives sent by the federal government to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the people of the state.
During the inauguration of the Committee in Uyo on Wednesday, the governor urged members to guarantee equal and fair distribution of the materials to all individuals, particularly the vulnerable in society.
Pastor Eno, who revealed that the state has received 3,000 sacks of rice from the federal government, instructed the Committee to assess and suggest additional measures to augment the federal government’s palliatives.
He emphasized that the distribution should be carried out considering economic circumstances and the availability of funds in the State, within a two-week timeframe.
“In addition to the recommendations, we need to know how you want us to disseminate it so that you can also participate in the implementation, not just for Civil Servants, but for all Akwa Ibomites, especially the most vulnerable who truly need these items.
“I will do everything necessary to ensure that we alleviate the impact of all these measures, but it must be within the capacity of the State Government,” he stated.
Reiterating his administration’s dedication to the welfare of workers in the state, the Governor expressed gratitude to the organized labor for their cooperation, especially in the peaceful conduct of the August 2 protest, describing the action as lawful and in line with democratic principles.
He said: “We will continue to ensure that we revitalize our workforce because they are the driving force of the government. We will address every issue related to gratuity and the like.
“By the grace of God, there will hardly be a two-month period where we don’t do something about gratuity,” the Governor added.
Speaking to journalists after the inauguration, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, commended the Governor’s integrity in fulfilling his promise of establishing the Committee even before the conclusion of his stated ten-day timeline and assured labor’s support in ensuring that the palliatives reach those deserving it in the state.
Comrade Sunny James stated that in addition to food for the poorest individuals, the current transportation costs have jeopardized the economic prosperity of workers and therefore urged the federal and state governments to consider palliative measures to alleviate such challenges.
The Committee comprises of the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, as Chairman; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong as Secretary; Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Sunny James; and fifteen other members selected from the Government, Organized Labor, and Civil Society Organizations.