The resident added that he was not given anything except expired rice that was given to them by the lawmaker.
Residents of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area in Lagos State have accused the council chairman, Fatai Adekunle Ayoola and a member of the House of Representatives, Adeboye Paul, of neglecting them during the distribution of palliatives meant to ease the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.
One of the residents who spoke to SaharaReporters alleged that the chairman and the lawmakers distributed all the palliative items allocated to the council only to the members of their political party, the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC).
The resident added that he was not given anything except expired rice that was given to them by the lawmaker.
“Honourable Adeboye only shared expired rice to us that are not party members but they shared the rest (good ones) with their party members. That is the only thing that reached our side,” the resident told SaharaReporters.
Another resident told SaharaReporters that the council chairman also lied about the disbursement of cash transfer to the residents as palliatives.
He said, “The promise of palliative measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices and currency fluctuations in Nigeria has turned out to be nothing but a mirage for millions of Nigerians. Instead of relief, what many have experienced is further hardship and disillusionment, pushing more citizens into the depths of poverty.
“The concept of palliative was touted as a temporary solution to alleviate the financial strain caused by the removal of petroleum motor spirit (PMS) subsidies and currency devaluation. However, it has become evident that this supposed relief package is nothing more than a smokescreen for corrupt practices and exploitation by politicians and local government officials.
“Politicians, far from genuinely addressing the plight of the people, have seized upon the palliative scheme as an opportunity for personal gain. Local government chairmen and council development authorities have shamelessly diverted funds meant for the welfare of the people into their own pockets, while masquerading behind the guise of providing assistance.
“One glaring example of this abuse of power is the case of Honourable Fatai Adekunle Ayoola, chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area. Honourable Ayoola has devised a cunning scheme to channel palliative items only to select individuals, particularly those affiliated with his political party. Instead of reaching those in genuine need, the aid is distributed based on political allegiance, leaving many vulnerable citizens without any form of assistance.
“Furthermore, the distribution process itself is riddled with corruption and deceit. Residents are required to provide personal data and identification in the hope of receiving aid, only to find that the distribution lists are manipulated to favour certain individuals or groups. Cash assistance is never happened but widely spread by his pundit’s propaganda machines, and even those who are supposed to benefit from palliative measures are left empty-handed.
“While funds are siphoned off for personal gain, essential community projects are neglected. Vital infrastructure such as primary healthcare centres in Alayabiagba community and roads are left unfinished or abandoned altogether, depriving residents of much-needed services and exacerbating the cycle of poverty.”
All efforts to reach the council chairman for a reaction were not successful. He did not pick up repeated calls made to him on Thursday morning and has yet to respond to text messages sent to him.