By Ogenyi Ogenyi,,Uyo
Akwa Ibom Government has announced the release of N3billion as the first and second tranches of the State government donation to augment the palliatives package received from the Federal Government.
It has also said that the commencement of distribution of palliatives to residents of the State will begin on Monday September 4, 2023.
Governor Umo Eno who made this known in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Uyo said N1B would be used to augument the first tranche with anothwr approval of N2 billion in the second tranche for the payment of gratuities to retired teachers in both the state and local government service.
Eno, who reaffirmed his commitment to the execution of One Project Per Local Government Area Initiative said the gesture was a quick fix by the state government to ameliorate the sufferings of the people as a result of the hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal and cautioned the youths against being used by persons to foment unrest in the state.
The Governor said that with State Government’s augmentation , and the 3000 bags of rice and N2 billion so far received from the Federal Government , the over 2270 villages in the state should be hopeful to get at least 50 bags of rice each.
“I am sure each village will get between at least 50 bags.
“We will give to the Hausa community, Yoruba community, Igbo community, Niger Delta community, and all of the security services and all other people that may not be able to get to villages. they are not village people but they are also part of us in Akwa Ibom.
“We have approved another line of gratuity to the teachers, we have approved to the local Government and to the State. That is two billion. That is from the state coffers.
“We want to do one project per local government so as to help ensure that we provide jobs for our young people.
“These are the quick fix measures we are doing. Don’t forget this is a short, medium and long term packages.” He explained.
He said that the state government has intelligence on plans to disrupt the peace in the state by inciting the youths to cause a breach of law and cautioned the youths to be wary of such people.
“Let us understand that Akwa Ibom is for all of us. This state is peaceful and we intend to continue to drive that narrative, to do everything to make sure that our state is peaceful.
“Those of us who are leaders must avoid making statements that will incite the youths. Our young people at this point should not be misguided.
“We have Intel on all those behind these. I would like to tell Akwa Ibomites that we have intelligence on all those sponsoring these youths and I would like to advise them to desist from such acts.”Eno said.
