In Abuja, certain lawmakers in the House of Representatives have maintained an unusual silence regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the distribution of rice palliatives attributed to President Bola Tinubu.
This comes in the wake of Rep. Dekeri Anamero’s disclosure that Tinubu provided each member with two trailer loads of rice intended for distribution among their constituents.
In a widely circulated video, Anamero, representing Etsako Federal Constituency in Edo State, mentioned the rice was meant to be shared across their various constituencies.
Despite attempts to reach out to some lawmakers for comments, many declined to provide insights into the matter. One anonymous member admitted receiving a 25-kg bag of rice on December 22, 2023, and distributing it on Christmas Eve. However, resentment brewed among some members due to disparities in the distribution, painting a negative light on those who did receive the commodity.
When approached for clarification, Rep. Abubakar Fulata directed inquiries to the House spokesperson, signalling a coordinated response strategy within the House.
Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity, Rep. Akin Rotimi, shed some light on the situation, highlighting that the procurement and distribution processes varied across constituencies and were managed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Rotimi emphasized that the timing and logistics of distribution were beyond the control of individual members, reiterating that the entire process was overseen by the ministry. He urged patience, affirming the commitment to ensure equitable distribution across all constituencies.
Meanwhile, public inquiries have emerged, with Nigerians pressing their representatives to account for the rice palliatives purportedly received from Tinubu.
