The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has established a 7-member committee tasked with investigating the alleged misappropriation of Palliatives by government officials and stakeholders within the state.
The House directed the committee to ensure that anyone found guilty of diverting these relief items, intended for the poorest of the poor, faces legal consequences.
This was announced by Speaker Ibrahim Abdullahi, during a session on Tuesday in Lafia, which is in response to a matter of public interest raised by Musa Abubakar (NNPP- Doma South).
The speaker affirmed the legislature’s commitment to preventing any acts that could undermine the well-intentioned efforts of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule in providing relief to offset the impact of fuel subsidy removal in the country.
The 7-member committee comprises Hon. Abel Bala as the Chairman, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker of the House, along with members Hon. Musa Ibrahim, Hon. Barr. Esson Mairiga, Hon. Hajara Danyaro, Hon. Luka Zhekaba (the Minority Leader of the House), Hon. Daniel Ogazi, and Hon. Danladi Jatau. Barr. Safiya Balarabe is the committee’s Secretary.
The speaker gave the committee a three-week timeframe to conduct a thorough investigation and report their findings to the House for appropriate action. He emphasized that all those involved must be invited to participate at the committee level.
Speaker Abdullahi, while appreciating his colleague for raising the matter, expressed disappointment that some individuals had misappropriated the relief supplies, particularly rice, which had ended up being sold to traders in local markets.
He urged the committee to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and ensure that those responsible face the consequences as a deterrent to others.
He also emphasized the importance of leadership accountability, noting that leaders are judged by the people, posterity, and ultimately by God.
He called for a change in attitudes among political leaders, stakeholders, public officials, and all Nigerians to facilitate the progress of the country.
Several other members, including Danladi Jatau, Solomon Akwashiki, Musa Saidu, and Hajara Danyaro, expressed their support for establishing the committee to uncover any misappropriation of relief supplies intended for the less fortunate.