While residents in many states have already benefited from the N2 billion palliative fund and food items distributed by the federal government to ease the impact of subsidy removal, Bayelsa residents are still waiting for their share. Unlike other states, where distribution plans were rolled out promptly, Bayelsa has experienced delays in providing much-needed relief to its citizens grappling with the economic consequences of subsidy removal.
The federal government had earlier announced the disbursement of N2 billion from the N5 billion loan allocated to each state as a palliative to mitigate the effects of petrol subsidy removal. Although Bayelsa State confirmed the receipt of the N2 billion palliative fund and two food items trucks, the state government has yet to announce plans for their distribution.
Concerns have been raised about the alleged diversion of palliative funds and food items for political purposes, particularly during the off-cycle governorship election in the state. Speculations suggest that some food items, particularly rice, were repackaged and distributed as incentives for vote-buying in various wards on the eve of the election.
Addressing questions about the N2 billion palliative fund during a transparency briefing, Timipre Seipulou, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Treasury Accounts and revenue, explained that the state government was working on a comprehensive expenditure program. He assured that the next transparency briefing scheduled for December or January 2024 would provide a detailed account of how the funds were spent.
David West, a rights advocate and member of the Civil Liberty Organization (CLO), criticized the state government for remaining silent on the palliative during the election period. West claimed that the distribution of rice only began two days before the election, suggesting a possible connection between the timing and political motives.
The delay in distributing the palliatives in Bayelsa raises concerns about transparency and accountability as citizens continue to face economic challenges exacerbated by the removal of subsidies.
