Controversy surrounds the distribution of federal government palliatives in Kogi State, amid speculations that the items have been repackaged and branded with the logo of the All Progressives Congress (APC)….CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports suggest that an unsigned statement purportedly from the state government instructed the APC state chairman and the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs to oversee the distribution of the palliative items.

The items were said to have been rebranded with the APC logo and a picture of the party’s governorship candidate for the upcoming election, Ododo Ahmed Usman.

Furthermore, the palliative items are reportedly being stored away while the citizens of the state continue to face hardships.

A civil society group, The Electorate Platform, has accused the government of politicizing the palliatives. The group expressed concern over the distribution of items intended for all Nigerians being entrusted to a political party, potentially limiting access to its members.

The group’s spokesperson, Comrade Azees Ahmed, criticized the situation as insensitive and questioned how civil servants, students, and others without political affiliations would receive assistance under such a partisan approach.

Another group, The Likeminds, issued a separate statement denouncing the alleged politicization of the palliatives. They emphasized the need for fair and unbiased distribution of the items, expressing disappointment in the current approach.

In response to the allegations, the Kogi State government issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. The government stated that the palliatives were meant for all citizens of Kogi and would be distributed fairly.

The statement, signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing relief to all Kogites, irrespective of their political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.

It emphasized the inclusivity of the distribution process in line with the policies of the Federal Government and the state administration led by Governor Alh. Yahaya Bello.