By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network,you CHRAN, has called on Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to include Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the yet to be constituted committee for distribution of palliatives to ameliorate the hardship of the removal of fuel subsidy.
A CHRAN statement issued in Uyo on Friday and signed by its Director and Deputy Director – Public Affairs, Mr Franklyn Isong and Comrade Vincent Aluu, respectively, however lauded the Governor for having empathy for the Akwa Ibom masses by his positive reaction to the Labour protest.
The statement expressed fears that excluding CSOs from the palliatives distribution committee might lead to hijack of the materials by politicians as it was done to the COVID-19 palliatives.
“The COVID-19 palliatives did not get to the poor masses because the political class hijacked them and kept in their homes and warehouses at the detriment of the masses which later resulted into the unfortunate violent protest nationwide, Akwa Ibom State inclusive.” It stated.
It commended the Governor for promising to include the labour leaders in the palliatives committee but noted that while the labour leaders would represent the interest of workers in public service, the civil society groups would represent and protect the interest of the Akwa Ibom masses who are not in the employ of government.
According to CHRAN, “it is important because the masses are worst hit by the adverse effect of the fuel subsidy removal and incessant pump price increases in the State.”
The pro-democracy group also applauded Eno for announcing the approval of N1.8B for the settlement of gratuities of retired primary school teachers and for payment of arrears of leave grants of workers.
