NEWS
Palliative: Tinubu’s 3,000 Rice Not Enough, Says Ondo Govt
The Ondo state government has emphasized that the 3,000 bags of rice provided by President Bola Tinubu for vulnerable individuals in the state are insufficient.
They however acknowledged the challenges its citizens are facing due to the removal of fuel subsidy.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the spokesperson for the Ondo government, expresses solidarity with the people and assures them of their commitment to fair distribution of planned palliative measures to alleviate the current difficulties.
She said “Once again, we reiterate that we feel your pain, we are in this together, and we will get through this testy phase of our nation’s path to greatness.
On the palliative measures we have planned, we are committed to equitable distribution and transparent conduct, as we seek to mitigate the current hardship.”
Lately, President Bola Tinubu introduced a series of strategies to alleviate the impact of challenges faced by Nigerians.
These measures encompass a World Bank-backed cash transfer to impoverished households, distribution of grains to enhance food security, provision of fertilizers to support farmers, implementation of mass transit systems for workers, offering loans to SMEs and startups, and allocating infrastructure funds to the state, among other initiatives.
Subsequent to these developments, the Ondo government acknowledged receiving N5 billion from President Tinubu’s administration, along with 3,000 bags of rice designated for distribution among “vulnerable” residents.
The government acknowledged that the quantity of received rice fell short of expectations, but assured the public of their intent to acquire an additional 3,000 bags, totaling 6,000 bags, which will then be distributed among residents.
Providing an update, Mrs. Ademola-Olateju mentioned that the Ondo government’s palliative committee had reviewed its distribution strategy.
The statement noted “Vulnerable people in our communities will start getting their N10,000 from the first week of September,” and for civil servants, “the outstanding leave bonus for 2020 will be paid along with their salaries this month.
“Supply of these products and their packaging into smaller bags will take time. However, we will save time using a rolling plan.
“Our plan will roll out these items in batches by senatorial district, for efficient distribution and monitoring. We expect to begin the distribution of food items by September 1st.
“On transportation, the plan for school buses and boats is in top gear. We are confident we will be ready by the time school starts.” it added.
A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi yencountered a “hard landing” on Sunday.
According to report, the incident took place near Jolfa, a city situated on the border with Azerbaijan, within Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran.
However, details regarding the incident were not disclosed.
The Associated Press noted uncertainty regarding whether bh Raisi was onboard the helicopter during the incident.
Despite rescue efforts, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and wind, have hindered access to the site, according to state TV.
Before the helicopter incident, President Ebrahim Raisi had been in Azerbaijan on Sunday to participate in the inauguration of a dam alongside Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
This dam marks the third joint construction project between the two nations on the Aras River.
Despite Iran’s diverse helicopter fleet, obtaining parts is hindered by international sanctions, with much of its military air fleet dating back to pre-1979 Islamic Revolution era.
Raisi, aged 63, is known for his hard-line stance and previously served as the country’s judiciary leader.
Considered a protégé of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, some analysts speculate that Raisi could succeed the 85-year-old leader in the event of his resignation or demise.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.
According to him, the plot, involving both foreigners and Congolese citizens, unfolded in the early hours outside the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe in the Gombe district, close to the president’s offices at the Palais de la Nation.
General Sylvain Ekenge announced on national television that the defence and security forces had successfully thwarted the coup attempt.
He said “An attempted coup d’etat has been stopped by the defence and security forces. The foreigners and Congolese…including their leader” would “all no longer cause any harm”.
Shots were heard near the Palais de la Nation during the attempted coup, as confirmed by various sources.
General Ekenge didn’t elaborate further on the incident, and AFP’s attempts to get additional information from official sources remain unanswered.
However by late morning, the city appeared calm.
Early social media reports suggested an armed attack on Kamerhe’s residence, with some assailants heading towards the Palais de la Nation.
“This morning, there was an armed attack at the residence of the economy minister,” wrote Japan’s ambassador Hidetoshi Ogawa on X.
He stated that Kamerhe “was not harmed, but two policemen and an assailant were killed according to sources.”
France’s ambassador reported hearing automatic weapons fire in the area and advised French nationals to steer clear of the location.
Videos circulating on social media depicted individuals in military attire at the Palais de la Nation, waving flags of Zaire, the former name of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the regime of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who was ousted in 1997.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has dismissed all transition committee chairmen in the state’s 21 local government areas.
This decision was detailed in a letter titled “Expiration of Tenure and Handover to Heads of Local Government Administrations (HLGAs),” dated May 17, 2024, and signed by Collins Nwabunwanne, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs.
According to the letter, the directive will be effective starting Monday, May 20, 2024.
The letter read, “Following the expiration of your tenure as Transition Committee Chairman, you are hereby directed to handover the affairs of your Local Government Council to the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), in your respective Local Government Councils.
“This directive takes effect from Monday, 20th day of May, 2024. Thank you for your service to the state. All replies to be addressed to the Honourable Commissioner.”
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