The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has explained that some states that still had palliatives in their warehouses chose to keep a strategic reserve ahead of a projected second wave of COVID-19.
The forum, in a statement by its spokesman, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, described the impression that governors were hoarding the COVID-19 palliatives as erroneous, inaccurate, mischievous and untrue.
It said the palliatives found in warehouses broken into in Lagos and some other states were kept in storage for members of the society, especially vulnerable citizens.
“For the avoidance of doubt, some of the palliatives had the CACOVID stamp embossed on them, meaning that their source is unambiguous.
“As we know, CACOVID operations are mainly domiciled in Lagos, being the headquarters of most of the public-spirited organisations, corporate bodies and individuals that came together to form the Coalition Against COVID-19; CACOVID.
“Until mid-October, when the NGF had its last meeting, up to ten States had not participated in the flag-off ceremonies for the distribution of palliatives in their States.
“This was because the items meant for distribution in these states had not been completely received from CACOVID.
“Furthermore, as of a couple of weeks ago, some states were still receiving palliatives from the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum stands for justice, improved governance and a progressive Nigeria,” he stated.
Reporters At Large had earlier reported that governors of the 36 states of the federation under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) have denied hoarding palliatives donated by the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), a private sector initiative to ease the economic hardship imposed on the poor masses by the COVID-19 lockdown.
The denial came amidst the continuous invasion of warehouses by some hoodlums and allegations that the governors hoarded the items to be used later for political reasons.
