Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Awkward silence has greeted the House of Representatives following the controversies surrounding the distribution of President Bola Tinubu’s rice palliative to members.
This is coming on the heel of the allegation made by Hon. Dekeri Anamero that the presidency gave each member two trailer loads of rice to be distributed to their constituents.
In a video that has now gone viral, Anamero, a member representing the Etsako Federal Constituency of Edo State, claimed the rice was to be shared with their various constituencies across the board.
Some of the lawmakers contacted on the telephone declined comments on the matter.
One of the lawmakers who preferred anonymity, admitted that he received the 25-kg bag of rice on December 22, 2023 and distributed it on Christmas Eve.
He alleged that others were angry because not all of them received the commodity, adding that they saw those of them who received as painting them in a bad light.
Truth Live Media quoted that When NAN sought the reaction of Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa), he said, “We have a spokesperson in the House; kindly get to him for clarification.”
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Akin Rotimi however, said the procurement process was at different stages, depending on the constituency.
He said the procurement and distribution of the palliatives were being handled by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“We must further clarify that the timing of the distribution is not in the hands of any honorable member.”
He said the entire process was under the control of the ministry.
According to him, some constituencies have received theirs, while others are yet to be processed. We call for patience, as no constituency will be left behind.
Truth Live News Media reports that some Nigerians have been calling out their Representatives, asking them to produce the rice given by Tinubu as palliative.