In light of recent controversies surrounding the distribution of the federal government rice palliative, we, as Concerned Kwara North Stakeholders, would like to clarify and categorically state that the Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Pharm. Sadiq Umar has been exonerated of any wrongdoing or diversion of the said palliative as being insinuated in certain quarters.
The federal government, through multiple press releases, has affirmed the integrity of all the federal lawmakers and confirmed their commitment to the duty bestowed upon them.
The aim of the rice palliative initiative was to accord assistance to vulnerable Nigerians who were adversely affected by the economic challenges posed by the subsidy removal and the prevailing economic realities.
The Nigerian National Assembly, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, is diligently working to ensure that this relief materials reaches those who need it the most and that the process is still on.
Contrary to baseless allegations and misconceptions propagated by specific individuals, especially the opposition Kwara PDP that is legendary for fake news and media personalities, like Adeola Fayehun in her video, there is no evidence to suggest that Sen. Sodiq Umar misappropriated or diverted palliatives.
The Ministry of Agric is presently processing the procurement and supply for onward delivery to the lawmakers for coordinated distribution.
The process is yet to be completed as we speak, nobody has thus received his supplies yet, although a few concerned legislators have made attempts to either source and distribute partially or totally to reduce the hunger or frustration during Yuletide celebrations.
Notwithstanding the delay, it is on record that even while anticipating the delivery of palliative, Sen Sadiq had already distributed 3500bags of 25kg rice with 50 million Naira to parties, groups, stakeholders etc across the 5 local governments of his Senatorial District.
Therefore, It is regrettable that the false information and misleading narratives have caused unnecessary tension and mistrust among the Kwara public, especially Kwara Northerners.
Hence, we urge Kwarans, especially Kwara Northerners, to discontanance the malicious information alleging Sen. Sadiq Umar of any wrongdoing. In the same light, we urge all Kwarans to rely on accurate and verified sources of information before forming opinions and passing judgment on their elected representatives.
Ordinarily, we would not have responded to Adeola’s attention seeking video, but for the specific mention of our most distinguished Senator.
Therefore, the Kwara North Concerned Stakeholders demand an unreserved apology on behalf of Sen. Sadiq Umar of Kwara North Senatorial District from the media personality, Adeola Fayehun. In her recent video on her YouTube channel, Ms. Fayehun attacked Sen. Sadiq Umar on the subject matter without any evidence or substantiated claims.
Such behaviour is not only unprofessional but also undermines the credibility of both the media and the democratic process.
We emphasize the importance of responsible journalism and call upon media personalities to verify claims before disseminating the same to the public.
We hereby demand an unreserved apology and retraction of the said video from Adeola Fayehun within a week. otherwise, we will have no choice but to seek legal redress on behalf of Sen. Sadiq Umar and the entirety of Kwara Northerners, who do not only feel insulted and maligned by her obvious hatchet job, which was not only malicious but in bad taste in its entirety.
Signed
Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud (Dan’iyan Kaiama) Chairman
Kamal Olarewaju (Moro)
Hajia Habiba Umoru (Baruten)
Alh. Yusuf Kolo (Edu)
Hon. Gideon Saba (Patigi)
