Minister of State, FCT Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has disclosed that there was no diversion of palliative items in the Federal Capital Territory as alleged in some quarters.
The Minister gave this clarification while fielding questions from journalists during the inspection of palliative items for Gwagwalada Area Council of the territory.
Aliyu, maintained that with the composition and structure of the monitoring team, it would be impossible for any diversion to take place, noting that all the stakeholders including representatives of the youths, women, political and religious leaders are involved in the monitoring and distribution of the palliative items.
Her words: “I will be very clear with you, it is not possible with this team, except we are not Nigerians that took an oath and pledge to Nigeria our nation to be faithful, loyal and honest to serve Nigeria with all our strength.
“I want to put it to you that the composition of this team is so strong across the 62 wards of the six area councils of the territory. It is not possible for all of them to unite with 10 men each from all the stakeholders to team up together to divert palliative items.
“I have to trace issues of diversion I heard only to discover that it is a private organisations that just came to carry out their own civic responsibility and not our own team. And I know I will still put it to you that there is no diversion that will be accommodated.
“For a diversion to succeed with the entire structure put in place, that means the police might have compromised, the DSS might have compromised and all other critical stakeholders might have compromised because in each ward you have representatives of these groups. I want to put it to Nigerians that this exercise is as transparent as possible and there is also the Call Centre toll free line for any complain,” Aliyu affirmed.
She has however, vowed to hold representatives of the stakeholders accountable for any misconduct during the exercise, just as she apologized for the delay in the distribution of the palliatives to underserved communities in Gwagwalada area council.
According to her, “I most sincerely apologize to the entire member of Gwagwalada area council and on behalf of my team to take responsibility for the delay. We were ready yesterday but we have to come to a halt because the transport organisations almost held us to a ransom. I will tell you again that on behalf of the FCT Administration, we will take responsibility”.
Receiving the items on behalf of the council, chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Adamu Mustapha Danze, assured the minister that justice would be served in the distribution of the palliative items.
He maintained that all the councilours representing various wards have been briefed on the modalities of distribution of the palliative items to the vulnerable in the communities, just as he pledged not to fail the people.
Traditional, religious and youth leaders also pledged their commitment towards the success of the exercise.
