Civil Right Activist Comr. (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen on Monday called on the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, to roll out palliative plans to assist Deltans, especially the less privileged families.
Agberen disclosed this in a statement, emphasizing on the current situation of the country and its effects on Deltans.
“The current situation and untold hardship since the fuel subsidy removal, has made the people live in extreme poverty.”
“Affording two (2) square meals has become almost impossible, transportation is on the higher side and it has also affected the price of commodities sold in the market. House rents are being increased by landlords/landladies. Increments of registration/tuition fees by almost 100% to 200% among tertiary institutions within and outside Delta State would make it almost so difficult for parents to give their children quality and affordable education, access to health services, is another issue to ponder about.”
“The true essence of government should be to reduce the cost of governance and elevating poverty and hardship of the people and the Delta State Government is capable enough to provide policies and programs that will reduce hardship.”
The statement said further, “As a rich and oil producing State, the Delta State Government can do more and emulate other States like; Ebonyi, Edo and Imo State Government that increased minimum wages of workers with N10,000. The Imo State Government has also released buses that would ease transportation for workers and residents in the State. Bayelsa and the River State Government has also released taxi and luxury buses to help transport costs. Kwara State has reduced working days from five(5) days to three(3) working days because of the hardship and cost in transportation and other States like Oyo and Ondo state has set committees to plan and work out strategies to caution the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. Osun State is giving free medical services as palliative but the Delta State Government is yet to come out with any plans or possible strategies to do likewise.
“The Delta State Government can revive the Delta State Urban Mass Transit Scheme. Deltans, families can be paid N20,000 monthly by the State Government as palliative. Deltans can have free access to health/medical services across the States with free medications as palliative.”
