The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State, Chris Nehikhare, has expressed strong criticism towards the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, for allegedly exaggerating the effectiveness of rice deliveries made to Edo State.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief program from 3:01, Nehikhare questioned the adequacy of the federal government’s distribution of 20 trucks carrying 25 kg bags of rice, intended to be shared among over 7 million residents across 18 local government areas.
He argued that such a supply is insufficient to make a meaningful impact on the vast population of Edo State.
Nehikhare pointed out that the recent deliveries from the federal government, which were meant to alleviate food scarcity, actually consisted of grains and garri rather than rice.
This contradicts the minister’s claims and raises concerns about the accuracy of the information being disseminated by federal authorities.
The commissioner emphasised the need for transparency and accuracy when addressing the public on matters of such importance.
Further, Nehikhare clarified that the distribution process was guided by a federal formula specifically designed to target Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. This formula ensured that aid was distributed fairly and without discrimination, with the goal of reaching all those in need within Edo State.
He asserted that the state government had taken all necessary steps to prevent any diversion of the supplies, countering any suspicions or allegations that the food items were being mismanaged or rebagged for ulterior motives.
The commissioner firmly dismissed accusations that the state government was involved in rebagging the supplies to mislead the public or for any other improper purpose.
He stated that there was no reason for the state to withhold food supplies, as the primary objective was to support those facing hardship.
According to Nehikhare, the distribution was carried out with the utmost integrity, and the government was committed to ensuring that all supplies reached the intended beneficiaries.
Nehikhare said, “When Minister Momoh comes up and talks about 20 trucks of rice being given to Edo State, you would think we get that everyday.
“25kg bags of rice in 20 trucks for over 7 million people in 18 LG, how does that help? And this was not delivered recently.
“We received some trucks of food items recently, but it wasn’t rice. We got grains and Garri from the federal government.”….Sêe_Morē