Several bags of rice repackaged in bags branded with Mr. Jonathan's photos, sewing machines, hair dryers, and tricycles known also 'Keke NAPEP' were distributed to some at a PDP rally at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Bayelsa state. However, the rice is said to be expired.
The Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), a United Nations benchmark which is aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger for all citizens, has become the basis for a political campaign for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Transformation Ambassadors of NIGERIA (TAN), a political group affiliated with President Jonathan’s re-election.
According to Sahara Reporters, several bags of rice repackaged in bags branded with Mr. Jonathan’s photos, sewing machines, hair dryers, and tricycles known also 'Keke NAPEP' were distributed to some at the rally at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Bayelsa state. However, the rice is said to be expired. A cursory investigation showed that most of the items, especially food items, had expired, and most them were later diverted to Peoples Democratic Party politicians for onward distribution exclusively to their followers.
The Expired Rice
Photo Credit: Sahara Reporters Media
One woman who could not hold her frustration and anger, Preye Dressman, said the whole thing was deceitful. "We came from our communities since 5 a.m.; I have not eaten and stayed under sun and rain, and now they are sending us home with empty hands,” she said.
A motorist, Stella Honesty, wondered why the President’s wife was coming to give Bayelsa women empowerment items to the people this late in her husband’s tenure. She said, “Is it because general elections are around the corner? In fact, if I were some people, I will reject any empowerment. Where was she all this while? Some of us have refused to be deceived by this political gimmick. Look at the kind of suffering one is going through because she is coming. Must she create tension each time she visits anywhere? I have been trapped in this traffic logjam for a long time for a journey that would not have been more than 30 minutes.”
Commuters and motorists who were trapped in the gridlock created by the visit were seen struggling to make detours. Worse still, two kids are feared killed during the visit because of the stampede. The kids were killed in a stampede caused by armed security men including men of the Joint Task Force, who freely use teargas to dismiss the crowd from some areas at the stadium.