By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
National Assembly member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor has reacted to the allegations made by Governor Hyacinth Alia regarding the palliatives controversy in Benue State.
In a statement, yesterday in Makurdi, to state the record straight,Ugbor admitted that the relief materials were facilitated by his office in collaboration with NEMA and were meant for the people of Kwande/Ushongo.
He equally explained that the decision to offload the materials in Makurdi was made in agreement with NEMA, pending a fixed date for distribution at Jato Aka.
Ugbor however denied allegations that the materials were diverted, stating that not a single item was missing or diverted under his watch.
He also clarified that the materials were federal government palliatives and not SEMA palliatives, and therefore did not require notification to the state government.
The lawmaker expressed disappointment that his efforts to explain the situation to Governor Alia were ignored, but hoped that the issue could be resolved quickly to enable the distribution of the relief materials to the intended beneficiaries.
Ugbor listed the items included in the relief package, which included food, mosquito nets, mattresses, and other essential items, reiterating his commitment to attracting more dividends to his constituency and thanked the federal government for its support.
The controversy surrounding the palliatives has sparked a heated debate in Benue State, with Governor Alia accusing Rep. Ugbor of diverting the materials but it is however, observed that Ugbor’s statement has shed more light on the issue, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.