Nigeria’s Tortoise Syndrome: How Politicians Corner Palliatives Meant For All

BY ISAAC ASABOR *

In the vibrant tapestry of African folklore, few stories resonate as deeply as the tale of the cunning Tortoise. This cunning creature, who cleverly used language to deceive his fellow animals, is a timeless reminder of the dangers of greed and selfishness. The fable describes Tortoise joining a group of animals on a journey to solicit food. When they reached their destination, he introduced himself as “All of you.” This deception enabled him to claim any food delivered by their benefactor, who would say, “This food is for all of you.” Thus, Tortoise greedily consumed the provisions intended for the entire group, leaving his companions hungry and disillusioned.
This ancient tale, while simple, reflects the tragic reality unfolding in Nigeria today. As the country struggles with economic hardship and widespread poverty, the government’s efforts to distribute palliatives, a supposed lifeline for millions of struggling citizens, are being undermined by the very leaders tasked with ensuring their equitable distribution. Like the tortoise, a few politicians are allegedly diverting these resources for personal gain, despite the fact that they were meant for the masses.
Without exaggeration, Nigeria’s recent economic crisis has been exacerbated by rising inflation, currency devaluation, and widespread unemployment. In response, the government has implemented several relief measures, including the distribution of food, financial aid, and other essential resources. These palliatives were designed to lighten the burden on ordinary Nigerians, many of whom are barely surviving under the weight of these challenges. However, reports of corruption and mismanagement have cast a pall over these initiatives.
In many communities, promised palliative care is either delayed, insufficient, or completely unavailable. However, in the corridors of power, stories of diversion and hoarding of these resources abound. Similar to the Tortoise, these politicians have effectively claimed the palliatives intended for “All of you” by manipulating the distribution process to benefit themselves and their close allies. The result is a growing disparity between the haves and have-nots, with the latter left to fend for themselves in an increasingly harsh economic environment.
The preceding facts can be reinforced in this context by pointing out that in recent months, Nigeria has seen an increase in allegations of the diversion of palliatives intended for vulnerable citizens during times of crisis. These critical relief supplies, which are frequently provided by the federal government, are intended to alleviate the suffering of those affected by disasters, pandemics, or economic downturns. However, allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and political manoeuvring have cast doubt on their distribution.
One notable case is in Kano State, where the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Shehu Wada Sagagi, has been accused of diverting federal government palliatives. The state’s opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), levelled these allegations against Sagagi, claiming that he was involved in the misallocation of relief materials. In response, Sagagi categorically denied any wrongdoing, emphasising that neither his office nor he personally received any allocation for palliative distribution. He described the claims as baseless, misleading, and politically motivated.
Sagagi’s defence emphasises the importance of transparency in palliative distribution. The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) government, which Sagagi serves, requires clear records of beneficiaries and distribution channels. However, the APC’s accusations appear contradictory, given their previous praise for the NNPP’s efforts to assist Kano residents. Some speculate that the APC’s frustration stems from their defeat in the 2023 governorship election, which has prompted them to resort to political stunts.
Aside from Kano, similar allegations have surfaced in other states. For example, Edo State is embroiled in a heated debate over the alleged diversion of rice designated for vulnerable citizens. The APC has pointed accusatory fingers at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing key party affiliates of mishandling relief materials.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole stated in an interview with Channels Television that the state government received 20 truckloads of rice from the federal government and an additional 30,000 bags from the Aliko Dangote Foundation and diverted them, even though the palliatives were intended for distribution to vulnerable residents, particularly in light of reports of rice looting during hunger protests.
The Edo State chapter of the PDP quickly refuted Oshiomhole’s claims. Rev. Olu Martins, Deputy Director of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council, emphasised that there is no evidence to back up such claims. According to Martins, neither the federal government nor the Dangote Foundation provided rice donations to the state, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address on the hunger protests made no mention of sending palliative rice to Edo State.
There appears to be a missing link, as Martins raised critical questions, such as “If 20 trucks of rice were indeed sent to Edo, and if so, which ministry handled the distribution?” and “Where are the documented records of receipt and signing?”
Given the foregoing, it is reasonable to conclude that the lack of clear evidence calls the allegations into question. Furthermore, Martins clarified that, while Dangote distributes rice through the state government, the state does not manage it directly.
As the controversy progresses, transparency and accountability remain critical. Whether the allegations of rice diversion are true or not, Edo State residents deserve clarity and assurance that relief supplies reach those in greatest need.
In a state dealing with political unrest and hunger strikes, the emphasis should be on effective governance, unity, and the well-being of its citizens. Only then can we bridge gaps and build a stronger, more resilient Edo State.
Aside from the foregoing, a review of recent years reveals that during the COVID-19 pandemic, state governments across Nigeria received relief materials from the private sector to distribute to residents affected by the lockdown. These materials included foods such as rice, garri, spaghetti, and vegetable oil. However, as the pandemic waned and cases decreased, relief supplies remained in warehouses. Following the #EndSARS protests in October, hoodlums discovered the items and looted the warehouses where they were stored. Notably, one such incident occurred in the Satellite area of Lagos State, when a warehouse containing COVID-19 palliatives was searched. The fact that these materials remained available months after their intended distribution raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
Reports indicate that politicians diverted the palliatives for personal gain. In Lagos and other states, the stolen food was allegedly distributed among party loyalists rather than to the intended recipients. The situation highlighted the importance of good governance, transparency, and effective distribution mechanisms during crises. As Nigerians faced hunger and economic challenges, the discovery of hidden warehouses sparked outrage and highlighted the importance of holding
Given the foregoing facts, it is reasonable to conclude that allegations of palliative diversion in Nigeria raise fundamental questions about governance, ethics, and citizen well-being. As stakeholders debate the veracity of claims and counterclaims, one thing is clear: palliatives must be transparent, compassionate, and distributed effectively to ensure that they serve their intended purpose of alleviating suffering and providing hope in times of crisis.
The consequences of this “Tortoise Syndrome” are severe. As trust in government institutions deteriorates, the social fabric that binds communities together begins to fray. When those in power prioritise their interests over the common good, it not only undermines the efficacy of policies intended to alleviate suffering but also fuels populist resentment and disillusionment. In Nigeria, which is diverse and complex, this can have far-reaching consequences, including social unrest and political instability.
The Tortoise fable teaches a clear lesson: greed and deception eventually lead to disaster. If Nigeria is to overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger, its leaders must abandon the self-centred behaviour that has plagued the country for far too long. Palliatives are intended for everyone, not just a select few. It is past time for those in power to remember this and act accordingly, lest they find themselves alone at a table designed to feed an entire nation.