Subsidy removal: Gombe residents seek effective implementation of FG’s palliatives

Some residents of Gombe have advocated practical measures to block governors from monopolising the Federal Government’s proposed palliatives to cushion the effect of petroleum subsidy removal.

A cross-section of the residents, who spoke while reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s national broadcast, told NAN the measure was imperative to ensure the palliatives reach the targeted population.

They warned against monopolising the palliatives by the state governors to avoid the recurrence of poor implementation of the COVID-19 recovery packages and other social support programmes.

Mrs Naomi Bitrus, a retiree, advised the federal government to involve other stakeholders to ensure fair and equitable distribution of the palliatives.

Bitrus described the FG’s palliatives as “good”, adding that the success of the initiative would depend on its implementation.

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“The previous palliatives were hijacked or politicised during the implementation stage, this is why widows and physically challenged persons do not benefit from it.

“Governors alone should not be the ones to handle the implementation of the palliative,” she said.

Also, Yusuf Ibrahim, Chairman, Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Gombe State, said the poor implementation of the palliatives would derail the objectives of the initiative.

He said: “Leaving implementation in the hand of governors alone would be counterproductive because they might use political parties as yardstick for distribution of the palliatives.

“Many of the good plans by the federal government had been misimplemented in the past; if the government will channel any resources or palliatives, let it be under the watch of many stakeholders.

“Private sectors, trade unions, religious and community leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and other stakeholders should be involved in the process.

“This will protect IDPs and other vulnerable groups”.

Commenting, Ahmad Balarabe, a resident of Dutse, expressed optimism that the palliatives would cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal as well as improve the social and economic well-being of the people.

Another resident, Nura Salisu, lauded Tinibu’s plans to strengthen the manufacturing sector to increase its capacity, create jobs and boost productivity.

He also commended the president for providing funds to support 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start sustainable economic growth.

“President Tinubu promised to spend N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024 for that purpose.

“This a welcome development, as each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1billion facility at 9 per cent per annum, with maximum of 60 months repayment for long term loans and 12 months for working capital,” Salisu said.