…..Says Tinubu is worried about masses’ welfare
The Ondo State Government on Tuesday confirmed that it has received only 3,000 from the Federal Government as part of fuel subsidy removal palliatives.
The State Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State Palliatives Committee, Mr Wale Akinterinwa stated this today in Akure while speaking at the “Ondo Media Agenda organized by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Akinterinwa said the state is actually expecting 81,000 bags of rice from the federal government but only 3,000 bags were so far delivered, noting that the Ondo State Government had ordered the purchase of additional 3,000 bags of rice, making 6,000 bags that are ready for distribution to vulnerable residents of the state.
The Commissioner who is also the Chairman of the Forum of State Commissioners for Finance, noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is worried and concerned about the welfare of the masses, hence he decision that the poor would not be over burdened with tax.
He said both the federal and the Ondo State governments had rolled out different palliatives but the delay in the implementation of some them was caused by technical issues, saying that because many states are ordering food stuff and CNG vehicles at the same time to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
“From this month, apart from Transportation, the pensioners would get their #10, 000, the Vulnerables would also get the same, some of this promises would definitely take time, we have to ensure transperency and accountability too.
“Free Transportation for School children would commence next month, transportation for civil servant would also comence for ease movement, and we intend to buy more vehicles, we would have purchase more vehicles but we don’t want the one using petrol, we want to buy CNG buses because they are bigger, but all the State are going for this purpose because of the fuel cost, we are also on the que for it.”
He added that Ondo State had gotten 3,000 bags of rice contrary to the 81,000 bags of rice that was promised by the federal government, but rice is not the only food we consume, we would provide other foods, the State would also get more additional 3,000 bags of rice added to the ones given by the federal government.”
“The government would help the famers get their food crops get to town because we had realized that transportation has been the major difficulties, the farmer do complain of access, we would provide tricycle for easy access when these crops get to Town, it would be sold in a subsidized price,” Akinterinwa said.