The Bauchi State government, on Saturday, commenced the distribution of 88,889 25kg bags of rice to the citizenry as post-subsidy removal palliative.

The state government said on September 4 that it had released N2 billion for the purchase of the commodity for distribution to different groups in society.

In a speech at the launch of the distribution in Bauchi, Gov. Bala Mohammed, said that the civil servants, through the Office of the Head of Service, would get 5000 bags.

He also said that 2,000 bags would be distributed to the vulnerable groups present at the launch.

“Critical stakeholders, which include the traditional institution, religious groups, security and quasi-security will get about 11,000 bags.

“At the local government level, civil servants through the union will get 5000 bags,” the governor said.

He also said that every polling unit would get 12 bags, amounting to about 65,000 bags in all.

The governor further said that N10,000 would be distributed to 3,484 orphans and vulnerable children, 11,000 women, especially widows, people living with disabilities, the poor and the aged, totalling about N300 million.

Mr Mohammed thanked President Bola Tinubu for his timely response to the yearnings of the people.

According to him, by this response, the president has demonstrated that he is a listening leader and that the subsidy removal was not meant to punish anybody but a necessary exercise of leadership and responsibility.

“I must also warn that the government will not hesitate to deal with anybody at any stage of the implementation process that becomes a cog in the wheel of progress in our efforts to bring succour to the people across board,” Mr Mohammed said.

Earlier, the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu, described the distribution of palliative to the people at this trying time as a demonstration of compassion and solidarity that deserved appreciation.

Mr Adamu, who is also the chairman of the palliative distribution committee, said that for making the palliative available, the governor had addressed the immediate needs of the citizens.

He said that the gesture also demonstrated his empathy and care for the well-being of the people.

“We are deeply grateful for your leadership and tireless efforts in mitigating the hardship faced by our people,” the emir said.

(NAN)