The federal government has been advised to devise another means of distributing palliatives to Nigerians, designed to ease the effects of economic hardship on the people.
The Planter of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Adamimogo, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, who gave the advice, said the suggestion became necessary as most palliatives being distributed are not reaching the poorest of the poor and may be going to the wrong people.
Prophet Olu Alo also urged President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly in addressing the grievances of Nigerians, especially the youth, who recently embarked on nationwide protests.
The cleric, speaking in Efon Alaaye, the headquarters of Efon Local Government Area of Ekiti State, said that delaying action on the demands made by the aggrieved youth could be dangerous for the good image of his government.
He said, “Palliatives have not helped anyone. They have been going into the wrong hands, though the president has good intentions to ensure they are given to the vulnerable in society.
“If the President could find another solution that would benefit everyone, this would be better. Unlike in the Western world, where both the elderly and the youth have bank accounts, which helps their leaders distinguish the poor from the rich.
“Through this, assistance could be provided to each and every one of them. The so-called palliatives might not even be reaching some villages, preventing them from experiencing the President’s efforts to alleviate their suffering.”
He, however, suggested that the money allocated for purchasing palliatives could be used to assist farmers, noting that some crops could be planted within a few months and yield appreciable results.
While addressing the youth ahead of future protests, Prophet Sam Olu Alo cautioned them, saying that although protests also occur overseas, they should not resort to violence by setting fires on already deplorable roads. He urged them to refrain from looting properties belonging to private individuals and the government.
“Youth should not let their protests be hijacked by hoodlums. They should not give room for ‘Satan’ to take over the protests. The government, on its part, should listen to the yearnings and grievances of the people in this regard,” he admonished.
Prophet Olu Alo also urged state governors to expedite the implementation of the newly approved seventy thousand naira minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
He cautioned the governors against engaging in unprofitable ventures and anti-people policies that could aggravate the tense grievances of the youth.
Hunger: Palliatives going into wrong hands – Cleric tells Nigerian govt