Under the auspices of the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), a coalition of civil society organizations in Anambra State have requested an explanation from the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, regarding his pledge to provide rice to 530,000 households.
The group also questioned the governor over Anambra’s portion of the federal government’s announced state-by-state palliative for the removal of gasoline subsidies.
The coalition requested that Soludo immediately begin distributing the rice and other relief supplies because the elimination of the gasoline subsidy has put a strain on the state’s citizens.
The CSOs said in a statement that the palliatives were intended to address residents’ suffering in the face of present difficulties. The statement was signed by the group’s coordinator, Prince Chris Azor.
The statement said:
“We had expressed serious concerns about the plight of the suffering masses in the face of humongous hike in prices of commodities, transportation and general livelihoods.
“We also noted that the palliative packages by Federal and State governments would not be enough to mitigate the hardship faced by Nigerians.
“We also commended the state government for rolling out comprehensive intervention strategies as made public by the governor in a statewide broadcast.
“We observed that there are some level of implementation in the health sector, through Antenatal and Postnatal free services. However, we expect the major interventions to commence immediately. The masses are really suffering.
“We will be happy to partner the state government and other stakeholders in monitoring the implementation process in order to ensure inclusivity, transparency and accountability.”