By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Governor of Osun State, Mr Ademola Adeleke, has approved the composition of a committee saddled with the responsibility of distributing bags of rice to residents across the state.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Olawale Rasheed, the team comprises members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, religious leaders, and others.
It was stated that 40 bags of rice, bought at a unit price of between N32,000 and N36,000, would be distributed per ward.
According to the statement, to affirm its commitment to transparency, Governor Adeleke ordered that the composition of the committee for the distribution of the rice and targeted beneficiaries must be from all sectors in Osun State.
It was further said that the distribution committee must consist of a member of the league of Imams, a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a member of the traditional religion, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a member of the APC and a TOP member, and a pensioner/retiree.
Meanwhile, the state government has affirmed that the Sure-P fund remains intact and safe in the accounts of the local governments, refuting claims that it has been diverted.
“It is also a pure falsehood to claim Heads of Local Government Administration are denied their entitlements. All issues pertaining to the entitlements of public servants are being attended to by the relevant offices.
“Osun people can bear witness that the family of the Governor has consistently distributed food items to Osun people for the past several decades. The philanthropic family, with one of its own as the state governor, is determined to elevate the tradition of giving as a state policy.
“We, therefore, assure the Osun people that the Adeleke administration is not a thieving government and will not in any way follow the path of the past. All actions so far taken and that will be taken are in line with due process, state regulations and extant laws,” the statement said.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya