…as Akure Community rise in protest
Leaders of Akure Community in Ondo State have asked the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Titiloye, to account for the disappearance of 500 out of the 2000 bags of rice allocated to the area by the state Palliative Distribution Committee.
The commissioner heads the 11-man palliative sub-committee for Akure South Local Government.
Sources in Akure revealed that 2000 bags were allocated to the area, to be shared among artisans, traders, other professionals and religious bodies but that the Commissioner reportedly claimed only 800 bags were released to him.
“However, when the Commissioner commenced the cdistribution of the bags of rice, he came out with only 300 bags and was unable to explain the whereabouts of the remaining 50p bags.
“We as a result made outcries asking the state government to come to our rescue, but to our chargrin, the Commissioner sacked vocal members of the distribution sub-committee and replaced them with his cronies, the source, preferring anonymity owing to the sensitivity of the issue, revealed to FirstNews.
However, a vociferous group in Akure community, The Concerned Citizens of Akure South, the Concerned Citizens of Akure South (CCAS), has lent its voice to the raging controversy.
In a statement on Sunday, signed by its chairman, Prince Samuel Alawiye, and Secretary, Hon. Dapo Ogungbemi, the group complained that palliative foodstuffs and other materials meant for the council area had been mostly diverted under the watch of the Commissioner.
“We are writing to express our deep distress and disappointment regarding the unfair sharing of palliatives intended for the poorest members of our community.
“It is with heavy hearts that we gather outside the gates of Akure South Local Government, raising our voices in protest against the unjust actions of Commissioner Charles Titiloye, who holds the esteemed position of Commissioner for Justice.
“The purpose of these palliatives was to provide relief and support to those who are most vulnerable among us – the indigents, the impoverished, and the residents of Akure South who are struggling to meet their basic needs. However, we have received credible reports that the distribution of these essential resources has been marred by blatant injustice and favoritism.
“We are saddened by the fact that Commissioner Charles Titiloye, entrusted with upholding justice and fairness, has allegedly played a significant role in perpetuating this gross inequity. It is disheartening to witness a public servant, whose duty is to serve and protect the interests of the people, engage in actions that further exacerbate the suffering of the most marginalised,” the group lamented.
The group added that the grievances of Akure Community extended beyond mere disappointment, that they stemmed from profound sense of betrayal.
“We implore the authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations and hold Commissioner Charles Titiloye accountable for his actions. We demand transparency, accountability, and a fair redistribution of the palliatives to those who are truly in need.
“Furthermore, we stand in solidarity with the crowd that has gathered at the office of the Attorney General, pleading for their rightful share of the palliatives. The voices of the people should not fall on deaf ears; it is the duty of the government to listen, engage, and take swift action to rectify this injustice,” it stressed.
All efforts to contact Titiloye, the Attorney General proved abortive as calls to his cellphone were not picked, even as he was said to have travelled when our correspondent called in his office on Friday.