TheCable

The Ondo state government says it will not reject the bags of rice donated by the federal government as palliatives.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the Nigeria Customs Service to distribute seized bags of rice across states to cushion the hardship during COVID-19 pandemic and Ondo got 1,800 bags.

But at the weekend, Alex Kalejaiye, secretary of the state palliative committee, had reportedly said some of the bags of rice would be returned because they had expired and not good for consumption.

But on Monday, Ademosu Bunmi, special adviser on public and inter-governmental relation to Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor, said the food items have been tested and confirmed to be edible.

She said the palliative committee had started repackaging the rice for distribution to vulnerable residents in the state.

“We have no plans to return the rice, and such report never emanated from the state government or any member of the palliative committee,” she said.

“The state government had commended the gestures of the federal government towards cushioning the effect of the lock down across the country. It behoves on us to appreciate the gestures rather than condemning it.

“The items are in good shape, tested and good for consumption. The expiry date are boldly written on the rice, we cannot distribute what is harmful to our people.

“We don’t want to lose them, irrespective of their political leaning, we will not sacrifice the people we govern by giving them expired or products that are not good for human consumption.

“The onus is on the governor to protect the people of the state, their safety and lives. We have cooked part of the rice to be sure they are edible and good for consumption

“We must not create another problem while finding solution to one. We have tested the rice, checked the expiry date and I can confirm to you that the rice are of good quality and good for consumption.”