Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged Local Government Transition Chairmen, Ministries of Agriculture, Local Government Affairs and other relevant agencies to ensure timely and transparent distribution of the palliatives provided by the federal and state governments to deserving citizens, to cushion the current hardship.
Governor Eno made the call today in a meeting with Commissioners for Agriculture, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Local Government Transition Chairmen, at the conference room of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to clarify criteria and expedite action on the palliative distribution
Governor Eno reaffirmed receipt of 24,000 25Kg bags of rice from the federal government and the addition of another 24,000 of same 25Kg bags by the Akwa Ibom State Government to make it 48,000 bags.
He said 20 bags will be distributed to each of the recognized villages in the state.
Confirming the readiness to commence distribution of the items by Friday, 26th July, the Governor urged the Chairmen to be on ground in their various local government councils to receive and endeavour to release them to village heads immediately, while charging village heads to ensure fairness in the distribution.Â
The Governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, charged the Local Government Transition Chairmen to continue giving their best to the people and not base their services on the chances they stand in the upcoming elections, assuring everyone that the state government will continue working with them, even after the end of their tenure in the Council.
He also commended Transition Chairmen whose performances during their tenure in office have left positive and indelible marks, stressing that their legacies will speak for them both among their people and the state at large, as he urged all to continue supporting the party to victory in the various councils.
“For your remaining days in office, keep doing your best because we are watching.
“I know that some of you will not be returning as elected Chairmen, but let me assure each and everyone of you that you will not be left behind. That is the assurance I am giving you today.
“Please do your best to support those that are coming in. Don’t show them attitude or say it is not your business. So is it with all of us. It is a revolving door. The door that takes you in is the same door that will still take you out and bring in another person,” the Governor said.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, while welcoming the Governor and others in attendance at the meeting, expressed delight in the unprecedented visit of the Governor to the Ministry and having a first-hand interaction with the heads of Local Government Council to ensure the good intentions of government trickle down to the grassroots.
He pledged that his Ministry and others saddled with the responsibility to over see the distribution of the palliatives will do a thorough job.