Borno to probe diversion of IDP rice

The government of Borno State has ordered the investigation of alleged diversion of rice meant for the feeding of internally displaced persons.

Large quantities of rice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA are alleged to have been diverted by some unscrupulous civil servants.

A statement issued in Maiduguri on Saturday by Malam Isa Gusau, Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy to Gov. Kashim Shettima said that the directive followed widespread allegations that some government officials were diverting food supplies meant for the feeding of IDPs to their personal use.

“Gov. Kashim Shettima has directed security agents to investigate and arrest anyone found culpable in the alleged diversion of rice meant for the feeding of the IDPs in the state.

“The directive followed the circulation of video clips and still pictures on social media alleging that some officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are re-bagging rice meant for the IDPs feeding for onward sales in the market,’’ he said.

Gusau said that Governor Shettima blamed the rumors on political enemies who are bent on bringing down his government.

“The governor said that although he would await the outcome of the investigation, he is aware that a group of Abuja-based politicians from the state have sworn to bring down his administration.

“They are using all kinds of mischief, including the one of May 29 when hundreds of his posters were dubiously produced.

“The posters were pasted along strategic points in Abuja and Kaduna, claiming that he is aspiring to become Nigeria’s president in 2019 with Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo as his running mate.
“They are coming up with all kinds of mischief, including trying to set me up against the Presidency, they don’t care if doing that can obstruct our success in the war against Boko Haram insurgents,’’ he said.

NAN