The federal government recently shared out N5bn subsidy palliative and five trucks of rice to each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT in order to cushion the frightening negative effects bred by the country’s recent fuel subsidy removal which is taking its toll on the vulnerable Nigerians.
Looking at the devastating effect of the removal of fuel subsidy across the country, some columnists, public commentators and analysts are of the view that governments’ overtures are not a long-lasting solution to the untold hardship, severe hunger and penury.
Therefore, all eyes are now on the governors to see how and to whom they will disburse the palliatives, hoping that there will be fairness in the exercise.
In my humble opinion, these subsidy palliatives should be shared out to poor Nigerians who are hardest hit by the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
Firstly, when distributing the subsidy palliatives, the governors should remember the millions of pensioners facing ineffable plight owing to nonpayment of their entitlements for so many months. Many of these retirees, who dedicated their young days to serving their states with patriotism cannot fend for themselves; some are suffering from some serious illnesses. I plead with our esteemed governors to empathise with them and ameliorate their sufferings.
Secondly, the governors should not forget persons with disabilities whose lives are riddled with social exclusion, high unemployment and marginalization. Millions of these stranded people, especially women, the elderly and children, are now roaming the streets begging for food to survive. These individuals deserve a fair share of the palliatives.
Thirdly, when distributing the subsidy palliatives, the governors should also make every effort to remember millions of idle and stay-at-home widows with millions of orphans in their states whose spouses were killed by Boko Haram marauders, bandits, kidnappers and reckless driving on the country’s highways.
Therefore, a pristine democracy is always looking forward to see that its agents are capable of ensuring the well-being of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in any society. Inability and failure of these democratic agents to provide the masses with well-being is tantamount to dashing their hope for democracy. They should also do their utmost to strengthen their hopes and confidence by showing mercy, empathy and a very strong sense of belonging to them.
To sum up, mercy is undeniably among the biggest beautiful attributes of God Who shows His unmatched mercy to those human beings who are always merciful to all His living creatures irrespective of their status, age, gender, disability, religion, region, ethnic group, race and nationality. Hence, I strongly call on our governors to help our pensioners, widows, orphans and persons with disabilities so as to lessen their worries.
Mustapha Baba Azare, Bauchi State
