The Kogi State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday decried alleged moves by the government to share the N230million meant for the women in the state to only card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement made in Abuja by its Chairman, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, the party berated the Government for saying that over N2billion for flood victims was still “intact” while the victims were dying.
The statement said: “Another issue begging for attention is the N230 million donated by Alhaji Aliko Dangote to be shared among 1,000 women per local government at N10,000 each.
“The money is meant for Kogi women, irrespective of their political affiliation. But there is a clandestine move by the government to share this money among only PDP women.”
The party said Dangote is a reputable businessman and philanthropist, who alleviates poverty in Nigeria.
It added: “We shall continue to act as a watchdog for Kogi State people until things are done the right way and until justice, equity and fair play become the norm in governance.”
ACN regretted that the last floods, which destroyed parts of the state, left scars on its victims.
The party said the government has not shown any care towards the victims.
“The complaints, cries and groans of the flood victims in the relief camps reached a peak when they took to the streets last month to protest their neglect and abandonment.”
ACN said the government feigned ignorance of the protest and kept silent over it since.
“As the most credible opposition party in the state, we owe Kogites the moral obligation to act as a check and balance on the government.”
ACN added: “It would not be fair for us to continue to stand aside and look while fraud, corruption and inhuman treatment are meted out to people that deserve sympathy.
The statement added that “Over N2billion was donated to the victims by various groups and individuals, besides food and other materials.”
Th party alleged that “most of the workers of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant agencies have suddenly become rice and mattress sellers while the big ogas have suddenly developed ‘wings’ from this flood-induced windfall.”
“We went on air to complain about the inhuman act and the only explanation that came from the government, especially the Head of the Committee on the Flood and Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi, is that ‘the money is intact’.
“The question now is: Is the money meant for a fixed deposit account or to alleviate the suffering of the unfortunate victims?
“Is the money meant to bury the flood victims, when they die, or to help them recover and live?” the statement queried.
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