•Returnees appeal to gov to complete payment
The Imo State Government has assured indigenes recently repatriated from South Africa that each beneficiary will receive the promised ₦1 million relief package, saying the disbursement has already commenced.
The assurance came when some of the returnees visited the Government House, Owerri, to appeal to the state government to complete the payment process for those yet to receive the assistance.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Mr Lambert Dike acknowledged that some beneficiaries had received the ₦1 million but appealed to the government to extend the payment to the remaining returnees.
“A few people have received ₦1 million, but you can see the crowd here. Everyone deserves to receive the support,” Dike said.
He urged the state government to ensure that no eligible returnee was left out of the relief programme, stressing that many of those affected were still waiting for the promised intervention.
Responding to the delegation, the Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services), Hon. Ferdinand Uzodimma, said the concerns of the returnees would be brought to the attention of Governor Hope Uzodimma, who was away on a national assignment.
Uzodimma appealed to the returnees to remain calm and peaceful, assuring them that the governor was committed to fulfilling his promise.
“Bear in mind that the ₦1 million will reach you, as far as our governor is concerned,” he assured.
He said the administration would continue to address the concerns of the returnees and ensure that those qualified for the support were not excluded from the disbursement.
