The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has approved the immediate release of the sum of N1bn, which is the first tranche of the state government’s donation to augment the palliatives package from the Federal Government.
He also approved the release of N2bn being the second tranche for the payment of gratuities to retired teachers in both state and local government service.
Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, the governor assured the state that the distribution of palliatives to the residents would begin on Monday, September 4, 2023.
While reaffirming his commitment to the execution of the One Project Per Local Government Area Initiative, Eno said the gesture was a quick fix to ameliorate the sufferings occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.
He said,
“With the state government’s augmentation and the 3,000 bags of rice and N2 billion so far received from the Federal Government, the over 2,270 villages in the state should be hopeful to get at least 50 bags of rice each.
“I am sure each village will get at least 50 bags. We will give to the Hausa community, Yoruba community, Igbo community, Niger Delta community, and all of the security services and all other people that may not be able to get to villages. They are not village people but they are also part of us in Akwa Ibom.
“We have approved another line of gratuity to the teachers. We have approved it to the local government and to the state. That is two billion. That is from the state coffers.
“We want to do one project per local government. so as to help ensure that we provide jobs for our young people.”
Reacting to the protest by a section of the youths in the state, Eno,, who expressed sadness over the incident, adding that the state government has gathered intelligence on some persons trying to disrupt the peace in the state, urged them to desist from inciting the youth.
“Let us understand that Akwa Ibom is for all of us. This state is peaceful and we intend to continue to drive that narrative, to do everything to make sure that our state is peaceful.
“Those of us who are leaders must avoid making statements that will incite the youths. Our young people at this point should not be misguided.”
“ I would like to tell Akwa Ibomites that we have intelligence on all those sponsoring these youths and I would like to advise them to desist from such acts.” Governor Eno warned.