Subsidy: ‘Do Not Revert On Your Multisectoral Palliatives’ – PDP Candidate Tells Gov AbdulRazaq
A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ojomu/Balogun Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Comrade Salahudeen A. Lukman has enjoined the state Governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq not to revert on his “multisectoral palliatives.”
Recall Governor AbdulRazaq has approved a slew of multibillion naira palliatives to neutralise the effects of recent removal of fuel subsidy, cutting across different sectors and demographies of the state.
On top of the palliatives is a cash support of N10,000 for every public sector worker in the state, which will begin this month (July) and last until a new minimum wage is introduced to enable workers cope with the economic shocks created by the subsidy removal, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye told a news briefing on Monday morning.
Reacting, Comrade Salahudeen said that State government should not revert on this assertion it reversed 3-day work policy for civil servants in the state.
He added that it is also important that the state government consider another palliatives such as introduction of mass transit buses, education support initiative such as offsetting West African Examinations Council (WAEC) , National Examination Council (NECO) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) fees for all Indigenous students “among other thoughtful palliative that will reach and benefit every Kwaran.”
He said Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led government must understand the impact of outlined moves in his multisectoral palliatives and the hope the state people have on it, thus should “ensure no going back or leg dragging in implementing all as announced without delay.”
He added, “kwarans woke to the news of state government announcement of multisectoral pallative to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, although it appears the usual hurry approach that often replace with reversal, audio pronouncement/ approval and mostly unimplemented, I appeal to the state government to ensure this never go the usual way.
“Nigerians – Kwarans inclusive – are going through a lot in this era of post subsidy removal with recent jack-up of PMS Pump Price to N617/Litre. It is almost unbearable if not totally unbearable for citizens. Transportation fares have increased as well as costs of other basic needs.
“While applauding the Kwara State government for her well-presented multisectoral pallatives which includes 100% conmess for doctors, allowance for nurses, staggered 3 working days for workers excluding essential workers, restoration of steps for SUBEB workers, cash backing of promotions, food support for the poorest of the poor, 500M for SMEs support, extention of free transport for tertiary institutions students and 10k monthly cash support to workers. Even though the cash support appears not sustainable and less effective considering the few numbers of people on state payroll being only 16,795 (2018 State Fiscal Transperency and Sustainability Programme APA Report) out of about 3,551,000 people living in kwara (2023 population projection).
“Like the Federal Government has decided to review the earlier proposed #8,000 palliative for 12 million Nigerians, Kwara must equally consider review of #10,000 pallatives for civil servants as it is too small compared to the reality on ground, while urging jack up of the amount, a more general beneficial idea such as suggested should be considered.”
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