Suspicions soar as FCTA introduces other phases of palliatives in Abuja

- Controversy is brewing over the distribution of palliatives in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

-The Federal Capital Territory Administration decision to introduce other phases of distribution has caused suspicion

- There seem to be a gap in information as it relates to the commencement of the second and third round of the distribution

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The announcement by the minister of state Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr Ramatu Aliyu, that the distribution of palliatives will be in phases may have sparked controversy in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Ever since the announcement, Say No campaign through its anti-corruption structures, have been monitoring the process of distribution closely, for transparency of the process and accountability.

The group revealed that its findings from members of who are part of their community anti-corruption working groups in each area councils, community members, especially in Kuje and AMAC, claimed that their council executives notified them that councillors were invited to collect on behalf of their wards, for individuals who were omitted from the first and second batches.

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“In Kuje for instance, besides the fact that community members are uncertain about what round of distribution the FCT through the council is currently sharing, council members who took delivery of the items for their individual wards failed to confirm the actual number of items received by the area council.

“However, a distribution list retrieved from one of the distribution officials, titled ‘Distribution of 3rd batch of palliative in Kuje’ documented a total of 6000 bags of rice and 6000 bags of condiments for the 10 wards in Kuje.

“Judging by the estimation of the Minister of state to give 24 thousand items to each area councils, one is left to wonder whether 3rd batch and 3rd round of distribution means the same thing and if it does, how did Kuje end up sharing only 6000 bags out of the purported 24 thousand bags of rice and 24 thousand bags of condiments?” the group queried in a statement signed by its co-convener, Ezenwa Nwagwu.

The group further revealed that the situation is worse in AMAC, alleging that some of the councillors made away with the palliatives meant for their wards.

“In fact, our reports indicated that unlike the previous exercise from the first round of distribution, where palliatives for each ward was handed to the councillors and their subcommittees, this time, councillors singlehandedly received the items for their wards.

“Community members in some wards like Nyanya, Kabusa, Wuse and Karshi are accusing their councillors of absconding with the items as no distribution is witnessed in these regions after over 3 days of receiving the items,” the group said.

Recall that Say No Campaign had earlier revealed that some non-indigenes did not get the palliatives distributed in the first round of distribution in Kuje.

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