Fresh Controversy on FG Palliative In Osun. By Daniel Ajibade

The Osun State government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been embroiled in controversy over its handling of federal palliatives intended to support citizens and farmers in the state. The palliatives, which include rice, maize, garri and fertilizers, have been regularly sent by the federal government to alleviate economic hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.

Recall good spirited citizens had in the past accused the state government of diverting and re-bagging food Palliative, an allegation that was dismissed by Mr Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information, as mere propaganda from the opposition.

However, subsequent distribution saw only a fraction of the palliatives reaching the public, with allegations surfacing that a senior special assistant to the governor had diverted 70 bags of rice.

In a recent development, another batch of palliatives has arrived in the state. While the government promised prompt distribution, reports have emerged suggesting a more sinister plan.

Note that Kola Alimi has said "the distribution of the food palliatives to the would-be beneficiaries throughout the State will commence, tomorrow, Tuesday, 30th July 2024." 

The Commissioner confirmed that out of 43 trucks expected in the state, 4 are of 25kg of Garri, 1260 bags of 25kg of Garri, and another 39 trucks of 50kg bags of Corn, containing 600 bags each, totalling 23,400 bags of Corn.

While the state government has officially announced receipt of 4 trucks of Garri and 21 trucks of Corn, it is silent on the receipt of rice, raising question of whether Osun was not a beneficiary of 20,000 bags of rice of the federal government like other states in the country.

The new angle to the situation is that the state government has allegedly hired political thugs to stage a looting of a designated warehouse containing bags of rice. This act would serve as a cover story, allowing the government to claim that all palliatives were stolen. Meanwhile, the remaining supplies, stored in a separate, secure warehouse, would be repackaged and rebranded as gifts from the state government.

This scheme, if true, would not only undermine trust in the government but also deny the intended beneficiaries the crucial support they need. The public and relevant authorities must remain vigilant to ensure that the palliatives reach those in need without further delays or misappropriation.