The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, addressed accusations on Wednesday regarding the state allegedly hoarding rice provided by the Federal Government. At a press conference in Benin, Nehikhare clarified that the state received several trucks of 25kg rice bags earlier this year.
He emphasized that the quantity of rice received was insufficient to significantly alleviate the suffering of the masses and asserted that the distribution was conducted according to a predefined list. The rice was allocated to local governments, internally displaced persons (IDPs), the less privileged, and other vulnerable groups.
Nehikhare stated, “The Edo State Government did not purchase rice. Instead, we allocated N2.2 billion to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the procurement of various food items, including rice, to support vulnerable individuals as part of our deliberate government policy.”
Addressing the issue of the Federal Government’s rice, he mentioned, “A few months ago, the Federal Government provided us with several trucks of rice, which were distributed as per the guidelines they sent. The rice was directed to IDP camps, orphanages, and other designated recipients. The Edo State Government did not retain any rice.”
This clarification follows a statement from the Deputy Director of Media for the Asue Ighodalo Governorship Campaign Committee, Rev Olu Martins, who also denied allegations that the state had hoarded 20 trucks of rice from the Federal Government. The allegations, fueled by a viral video of protesters looting a house storing rice bags, were attributed to former governor Adams Oshiomhole, who Martins claims was merely speculating to incite sentiment against the current state administration.
