Prof Dora Akunyili, Chairman, North-East Presidential sub-Committee on Flood and Rehabilitation, said on Tuesday that the Federal Government did not neglect the victims of flood disaster in Bauchi State.
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Akunyili dispelled the insinuations in Duguri town, in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state while responding to questions from some of the victims when the committee visited areas affected by the disaster in the state.
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She said it was not true that the government neglected the victims of the flood at the height of the disaster.
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“You remember that President Jonathan travelled around the country personally, he travelled round the country, I did not go with him but I saw it on the TV, I read it in the newspapers.
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“Again, he set up this committee that I belong to and gave us the mandate to make sure that we raise money, to take care of you and rehabilitate you.
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“And also evolve strategies that will prevent recurrence of such disaster.
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“So the president that went round the country, set up this committee to visit the flood victims and rehabilitate them never try?''
According to her, the Federal Government has released N17 billion to the flood-ravaged states to provide relief materials to victims of the disaster.
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“He has released N17 billion to all the states, after releasing N17 billion, he is giving us more money and then asking us to raise money and we have raised billions, which will be disbursed to you.
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“And I have travelled all the way from Abuja to come and see you with some members of the committee; can the government said to be unconcerned?''
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“Again, our chairman, Alhaji Dangote has also said something that I want to say here; he said all the materials and money raised for you will not be used by the
committee.
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“Our secretariat that is where we have our meeting, the food we eat, the ticket I bought to come to this place, and the allowance paid to any member will be taken care of by Alhaji Dangote.
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“Why did he do that?? He did that because he does not want us to touch one kobo or one pound or one dollar from the money meant for you, or the materials meant for you.
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“All what we are saying is that we are working hard for you, President Jonathan is concerned.”
(NAN)