We were denied palliative distribution – Bauchi PWDs allege

Over claims of discrimination in the government’s palliative distribution system, members of the Bauchi State Association of People with Disabilities, or PWDs, have called for action.

Abdullahi Isma’il, the chairman of the APWDs, revealed inconsistencies in the distribution process and claimed that their community was left out.

Bala Mohammed, the state governor, was therefore encouraged by him to look into the manner in which the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management dispersed the commodities, which included some cash, throughout the state.
During a Tuesday interview with a limited group of media, the chairman stressed the importance of include people with disabilities in committees going forward and accused the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of stockpiling palliative medication.

“We should be given priority over all other groups in the state,” he said. When we first received the order, we were told to wait patiently and that the palliatives will arrive after being dispersed to each of the state’s 20 LGAs. Sadly, nothing of the sort occurred.

In the end, we received nothing even though we patiently accepted their decision. Not much was given to the members chosen at the time the palliatives were commissioned. Distribution halted following commissioning.

“Where were our palliatives hidden too, sir?” he asked. Telling them to release it for us would be greatly appreciated by the media. Not only that, but our account information was also gathered in order to be paid with palliative funds. We weren’t provided the food or the money. Would you please have the media assist us?

“I also neglected to mention that, at the palliative care commissioning at ATBU Stadium, His Excellency, Sen. Bala A Mohammed, announced the release of 6,000 bags of rice with #60,000,000 for people with disabilities only, but nothing was given to us by the palliative care committee,” he continued.

The governor, who is very kind, also stated that 200 bags and N10,000 checks should be handed to those with disabilities as part of the commissioning process, before the 6,000 bags of rice and cash are distributed. This is another tragic development regarding the palliatives.

“That they disregarded what His Excellency declared is depressing.”

The Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Commissioner, Hajara Yakubu, did not answer calls or texts seeking a response when reached for comment.

In an effort to lessen the pain that the state’s residents were experiencing as a result of the elimination of fuel subsidies, the palliative distribution committee in the state reportedly completed the rice distribution programme that it had started in September.

A palliative package worth N180 billion was announced by the federal government to the states in August of last year to help them cope with the cessation of gasoline subsidies. N5 billion and 180 trucks of rice were supposed to be distributed to each state.

Yakubu declared that the distribution committee had fulfilled its mandate and done a good job of living up to the trust placed in it during the final ceremony last week at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.