Palliative by government is a kind gesture, Omokri says

Reno Omokri has responded to Nigerians who are groaning against the federal government's plan ₦500 billion loan to be used as palliative to the poor.

On Tuesday, the federal government announced plan to distribute ₦8000 to 12 millions Nigerians for six months. 

This was met with discord by Nigerians many of whom questioned the logic behind the plan especially as the ₦8000 is seen as meagre compares to the generally cost of living, and the source of the fund which would be borrowed given the burgeoning debt profile of the country.

Among many Nigerians who have frowned at the plan is a twitter user named DianaAbasi Etim who believes the fund is small and would not be enough to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

Replying to Etim's comments in an open letter, Reno who seems to be infuriated chides everyone who complains against the move.

According to him, if you are rich enough to see the ₦8000 as too small, then you're not among the category of people the fund is meant for.

In an open letter on twitter, Reno wrote:

Dear Etim,

Thank you for your feedback. It is this evil entitlement mentality that is leading many Nigerians into a life of crime. Neither the government nor the private owes you ₦8000.

The money will be paid as a goodwill gesture, not an obligation. It is not a right. Neither the Nigerian Constitution nor the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights mandates the Government of Nigeria to pay you even ₦1. Even the subsidy, which has now been removed, was not a right in the first place. If anyone wants ₦8000 as a right, then let them go and work. 

You specifically have money for a smartphone, and you can buy data to maintain it. If President Tinubu pays you the ₦8000 monthly subsidy palliative, I will not consider him a wise President. 

The money should be paid to people who do not know where their next meal is coming from. Not to people who feel that ₦8000 is too small for them because they have obviously taken care of their needs and are now spending on their wants.

If you are poor and do not appreciate the gesture, simply reject the money and join IPOB's sit-at-home. When hunger returns you to your right senses, you will know the value of ₦8000.

Thanks again, and may God bless you. 

Reno Omokri is a former spokesman to former President Goodluck Jonathan, and he was among the presidential campaign team of the PDP's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.