The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has criticised the state government, alleging that it is using Federal Government support for political purposes.
In a statement issued in Gombe on Wednesday, the PDP’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abdulkadir Dukku, called on the state government to ensure transparency in the distribution of Ramadan palliatives.
Dukku accused the Gombe State Government of distributing Ramadan palliatives provided by the Federal Government without acknowledging its role.
“We are concerned that the Gombe State Government has failed to acknowledge President Bola Tinubu’s commendable efforts in providing Ramadan palliatives,” he said.
He argued that this lack of recognition suggested a pattern of using federal support for political gain rather than for the welfare of citizens.
Dukku noted that other state governors had publicly commended the Federal Government for its palliative initiatives, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to assist vulnerable communities.
He recalled that in 2024, Governor Inuwa Yahaya had criticised the Federal Government’s allocation of 20 trucks of rice, which were intended to ease food scarcity.
“Such actions undermine cooperation and hinder productive engagement with federal initiatives designed to support citizens in need,” Dukku remarked.
The PDP spokesperson also raised concerns that the palliatives might be distributed unfairly, favouring one senatorial district while neglecting others.
“We urge the governor to adopt an inclusive approach that involves all stakeholders in the distribution process,” he stated.
He emphasised that ensuring transparency and fairness would help build public trust and demonstrate the government’s genuine commitment to the welfare of all citizens.
Reacting to the PDP’s accusations, the Director-General of Press Affairs, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, dismissed them as political propaganda.
He refuted claims that the Federal Government had allocated Ramadan palliatives, asserting that no such support had been received.
“Thankfully, they didn’t accuse us of hoarding the palliatives,” he remarked sarcastically.
Uba-Misilli pointed out that if the palliatives had been from the Federal Government, the original packaging would have made this evident.
“At every opportunity, the governor has recognised the Federal Government’s support for Gombe and other states,” he added.
Uba-Misilli clarified that the food items distributed during Ramadan were sourced from the state’s storage facilities, not from any new Federal Government allocation.
“The governor had instructed that all stored food items be distributed, including those previously received from the Federal Government, the North-East Development Commission, and the state government,” he explained.
The Gombe State Government maintained that the distribution process was transparent and free from political bias, ensuring that relief items reached those in genuine need across the state.
