Governors of States in the Niger Delta have been cautioned to give the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) free hand to handle the process of distributing palliatives to the poor and vulnerable persons in the region.
Renowned advocate for Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) Ambassador Emmalex Atseyinku David who led the call on the Governors in a statement said the Committee set up by the Commission must be allowed to steer the distribution of the palliatives without undue interference.
He particularly noted that the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike was reportedly pressurising the Committee to hand over the items meant for the State to the Government, a situation he said had delayed the distribution of the items.
“It is unnecessary for the palliatives to be given to the Governors because the Federal Government has made it clear that it is for the region and Hon. Sobomabo Jackrich and his team are capable of delivering it to the people.
“The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike is part of the persons who have been trying to truncate this process.
“The process by the NDDC is not politicized, it is to benefit all Niger Deltans, Most Niger Delta State Gov’s set up their own palliative committee but it was been handled and distributed by their party members.
“We Persons living with Disabilities trust in the leadership of Jackrich because we know he will deliver these palliatives to the poor people in the region without fear or favour.”
David, also a physically challenged person, said it was regrettable that the alleged move by the governors have delayed the commencement of the distribution of the palliatives by the Jackrich led committee.
He, however, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the gesture.
Also speaking, Acting Chairman of Persons Living with Disabilities in Niger Delta, Mr Reuben Oba Inigbelabia expressed happiness with the efforts of the Federal government, especially in the area of providing palliatives for poor people in the region.
“We are calling on the governors of the region to stop disturbing the process so that the committee can start the distribution to the people that need them,” Inigbelabia said.