Palliatives: Include Youths, Unemployed Persons, Not Only Widows, People Living With Disabilities, Orphans, Vulnerable Children, Civil Servants, Activist Tells Oborevwori

By Comr.(Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen

I, strongly disagree with the Delta State Government over the selected categories of beneficiaries for the palliatives distribution. The palliative measures should not only be be for the Widows, People Living with Disabilities, Orphans, Vulnerable Children and Civil Servants but should be extended to all Delta indigenes, especially her youths and Unemployed people; as the money involved, can take turns round the indigenous people of Delta State.
Looking at the rise in crimes and other social issues, as a result of the economic challenges that has affected the standards of living; it(crimes) is mostly perpetuated by youths/unemployed, as means of survival. For once, the Delta State Government should make the people have a sense of belongings, and experience true dividends of democracy.

The approved palliative measures was earmarked strictly for subsidy removal for all Deltans, irrespective of ability’s, health or hardship conditions and as such, should serve the purposes it is meant for and not hijacked, distributed to political party areas or for a targeted set of people.

Regardless of the prevailing economical challenges, the Delta State Government should consider making the palliative go round the looks and cranny of the State, so as, the people can feel the imparts of governance at this time Nigerians are faced with a lot. Taking statistics from estimated numbers of youths across different parts of the State, the Delta State Government can pay stipends of N20,000, as palliative measures for a period of three months; making an online registration portal, available, for particular age groups.

It was recalled that the Delta State Governor; Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori approved N10,000 for 50,196 workers for three(3) months, from the N5 billion approved by the Federal Government.

Also, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved N10 billion from her State treasury, to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal in the State.

If we go by the N10, 000 approved by the State Government for 50,196 civil servants, in a month, amounts to N501, 960, 000; multiplying 501, 960, 000 times 3 working months, amounts to a total sum of N1, 505, 880, 000. Over N3, 494, 120, 000 is still aside couple with the N10bn approved by the State Government, from her treasury.

ALSO READ: My Administration Is Committed To Fiscal Discipline- Oborevwori

It is the responsibility of the Delta State Government to be accountable and transparent in the delivery of governance, as it will help instill confidence and improve trust in government.

It was also recalled, that during last week, the Delta State Government inaugurated a committee for effective planning, strategizing and implementing palliative care across the State, as a 25 man list was published, with phone numbers to coordinate the palliative items, so as to ensure management, and items/funds reaches every Local Government and communities in Delta State.

However, I call on the Delta State Governor; Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to critically look and consider the inclusion of monthly stipends for youths and the unemployed across the 25 Local Government Areas in the State, so as to promote fairness, transparency, responsibility, accountability, participation and responsiveness(to the needs of the people), which are pillars of good governance and democracy..