The Sunday Karimi Media Team has reacted to a video in circulation in the social media portraying as unhealthy the rice palliatives distributed by Senator Sunday Karimi to constituents in Kogi West Senatorial District.
The team in a statement issued on Wednesday noted that the content of the 8 trailer load of bags of rice, equitably distributed across the 85 electoral wards in Kogi West and across party lines was not only healthy but met the expectations of the beneficiaries.
The statement read in parts: “We read the above from some WhatsApp groups and are compelled to write a rejoinder to set the record straight because of the many inaccuracies it conveyed.
“The initiative to share rice across Kogi West was borne out of the feelings perceived by Sen Sunday Karimi about the people of Kogi West on the effect of the subsidy removal that has led to so many and unbelievable hardship on the people. Topmost amongst these effects is the skyrocketing of the prices of foods and commodities in the society and knowing that rice, a staple food, the senator embarked on a rigorous purchase of rice so as to relief the pressure families will be subjected to in bringing food to their tables particularly in this festive period.
“Regrettably, we witnessed such a situation where a community, unfortunately had two of the bags allotted for them to have been spoilt. Although, Kogi West has 85 wards and over nine hundred poling units. Notwithstanding, this was a contracted project in which the contractor is expected to deliver to each of the seven Local Governments of Kogi West. Nonetheless, the major aim of the initiative was to bring succour and not hardship, to bring hope and not hopelessness. It was intended at bringing strength and not wickedness to the people. Howbeit, we sincerely apologize to the community concerned and want to, through this notice humbly seek the community and any other community(ies) who might have witnessed such and that with evidence to come up with their complaints to the number that will be provided below this message and the contractor will definitely replace such.
“Senator Karimi has stated unambiguously that his representation will be people centered and has been doing everything within his power to achieving that in both legislative and oversight functions. He will ensure that at every points in time, the people are protected, heard and given maximum attention
The wicked generalisation of the rice as a bad product, is pitiable.The hasty circulation of the negative video has exposed the Ill motive behind the action by the incurably hateful hearts. To render worthless such humane effort to support families during the end of the year activities, has further exposed the descend to bad politics in these climes. Choosing to condemn the entire effort because of a few rations, is the height of cruelty. We are talking of 8 trailer loads of bags of rice.
The good news however is that 90 percent of our people who have received their portions of rice have attested to its purity and healthiness, which videos are available to support that fact. By our estimation, the few bad contents that is being celebrated by the enemies of progress amounts to searching for a needle in a haystack”.
