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Tag: palliative

  • Yuletide: 608,644 passengers to enjoy FG’s rail, road transport palliative

    Yuletide: 608,644 passengers to enjoy FG’s rail, road transport palliative

    The federal government has revealed that 608,644 passengers who intend to travel by road or rail will benefit from transport during the Yuletide.

    The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, provided an update on the transport initiative launched by the federal government.

    According to the Minister, the Nigerian Railway Corporation, which commenced the free train ride on the 20th of December, will convey 320,000 passengers in 292 trips with 74 coaches.

    The train routes are Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS), Lagos Intra City Mass Transit (Lagos MTT), Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS), Port Harcourt-Aba Train Service (PH-ABA), and Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) MTT.

    For road transport, he stated that 288,644 passengers will be conveyed to various parts of the country with 708 vehicles over the next 13 days.

    Both exercises are expected to last until 5th January 2025.

    The Minister mentioned that ministry staff and other stakeholders have been deployed to various parks to ensure transparency and compliance.

    He stated: “The Federal Government’s transport palliative initiative is expected to cushion the economic hardship experienced by some Nigerians and also to ensure that they have a good travel experience during this Yuletide period.

    “President Tinubu decided to start it early so that Nigerians will enjoy the free ride well ahead of the holidays, and he has approved and extended it until the 5th of January so that people can return to their respective destinations.

    “We have also commenced a 50 per cent road transport palliative today. The flashpoints are Lagos and Abuja, and we are going to cover Abuja to all the 36 states of the Federation, as well as Lagos to all the 36 states of the Federation. The road initiative will also last until the 5th of January. It is discounted by 50 per cent, as approved by Mr President, to provide welfare for the citizens of this great country.

    “For the entire period by road, we expect to carry 17,588 passengers daily and 288,644 by the end of the exercise. Therefore, for both road and rail, it is estimated that 608,644 passengers will benefit from the transport palliative launched by the federal government.”

    To ensure compliance and transparency, the Minister reiterated that ministry staff and other relevant stakeholders have been deployed to various parks across the country.

    Read Also: Christmas: Speaker Abbas, deputy seek prayers, national rebirth

    “No passenger should pay any fare above 50 per cent of the normal transport fare. We have deployed all ministry staff, including the Permanent Secretary, to ensure transparency and accountability.”

    Commenting on why the road transport palliative began later compared to rail, the Minister explained that the delay was due to feasibility studies and consultations conducted by the ministry.

    “The NRC is an established government agency. The bureaucracy is already in place. So if you want to start any railway exercise, you don’t need to have any consultations. It is merely for the government to give directives to the managing director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, and he will start the exercise.

    “However, for the road initiative, you need to involve the stakeholders. You need to have their submissions. You have to conduct feasibility studies and sort out all the necessary details. You have to determine the routes to ensure the availability of buses.

    “That is why the road initiative was unable to commence at the same time as the rail initiative; that being 13 days later, I believe it is still adequate to convey a large number of people.”

    On the mechanisms put in place to ensure transparency and avoid waste, the Minister assured that the government would not incur any losses.

    “The government will not lose anything because there must be a reconciliation mechanism. At the end of last year’s exercise, we organised discussions with all the companies and conducted reconciliations since we had manifests, and our staff were deployed to all the parks. By the time each bus reaches its destination, the staff will accompany the driver of that same bus to perform reconciliations. Consequently, any unused funds will be refunded to the federal government after the exercise and once the reconciliation is complete.”

  • Planning for palliative distribution

    Planning for palliative distribution

    Children like four things, naturally – food, music, songs, and play. When these are concentrated in a place, they are in their best elements – joyful, playful and grateful.

    When they are denied opportunities to savour them, they become moody, agitated, and unhappy.

    Parents hardly want to deny their children these funfairs which their restless souls clamour for, particularly during the current holidays which coincide with the Yuletide.

    But, many parents and guardians may now be inclined to pull the break, considering poor crowd control in empowerment centres. In Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Okija in Anambra  State, stampedes have been recorded at venues of gift sharing, leading to monumental loss of precious lives.

    It is a season of goodwill, no doubt. People, organisations and corporate bodies engage in activities to show love and solidarity, particularly to the underprivileged. Corporate organisations  use the period to further promote themselves as being socially responsible.

    In  Ibadan, a philanthropic run by  Queen Naomi Silekunola, former wife of Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had planned to host 5,000 children. The Muslim High School, Orita-Basorun, venue of the programme, was filled with excited kids. Many people converged on the school premises because the programme was also announced on A’Agidigbo,’ a popular radio station in the metropolis.

    The noble intention notwithstanding, there was, according to observers, deficit in planning. It was not her first time giving succour to the needy. But,   this time, it ended in a tragedy. No fewer than 35 children lost their lives during the stampede.

    It was the same in Abuja on Saturday where a Catholic Church organised the distribution of food to the poor and vulnerable. No fewer than 10 lives were lost. More than that number were injured. The Catholic Church is reputed for meticulous planning and efficient organisation. But, the organisers were said to have bungled it.

    It was also the motive of the organisers of a similar event in Okija, Anambra State. Twenty-two persons lost their lives.

    A few days to Christmas, many households in these three cities are certainly spending the period in agony by mourning the loss of their loved ones. 

    The federal or state government did not have a hand in the three events that flopped. 

    But, in the past, the government failed in that critical aspect of crowd management. A case in point was the recruitment of personnel for the Immigration Service when Abba Moro, now a senator, was minister of internal affairs. Scores of applicants who turned up for an interview died on the field. The tragedy attracted condemnation.

    Read Also: Lawmaker lifts constituents with palliatives, others

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is alarmed at the pace of tragedy across the three cities -Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija  – has sent words of comfort to the victims and their bereaved families. A compassionate leader, he has also called off his official engagements as a mark of respect for the dead.

    Although some critics have attributed the stampede to hunger and desperation by the poor for relief, it is not so. If the events had taken place in the villages or remote areas, the result would not have been the same. If concerted efforts had been put in place to properly organise the beneficiaries and monitor the surging crowd, the calamities would have been averted.

     Planning for palliative distribution requires skills so that the good gesture to the public would not turn to sorrow.

     Every large gathering, be it social or spiritual, requires good planning, execution, and management.

    Crowd management is possible when it is handled by trained staff. Other requirements may be signage and communication tools. There is focus and emphasis on organising and directing the movement of a crowd. The rules should be spelled out and clearly understood by the people.

    Besides, conveniences, including mobile toilets, should be provided. Fire outbreak has to be curtailed. Security has to be provided. Children, who naturally are dependent and highly vulnerable, require guidance by those who bring them to such centres. 

    It is better to decentralise palliative distribution instead of hosting a huge crowd of potential and impatient beneficiaries in one spot. Also, they can be asked to come in batches to prevent chaos.

    Crowd control may involve the enforcement of rules by law enforcement and security forces who demand physical compliance. The goal is to ensure safety and orderliness and to prevent the invasion or hijack by hoodlums.

    There is a need for proper planning for entry and exit points. Barriers can be used to guide crowds. But it can also be counterproductive if not wisely deployed.

    Planning involves avoiding choke points and monitoring crowd density. Clear signage about exits and emergency procedures, and adequate space for people to move freely are very important.

    Also, orgganisers should be prepared to evacuate crowds, if necessary, and communicate clearly with those attending the programme. Communication can avert danger. For example, a clear and accessible public address system can be used to provide important announcements and instructions on the maintenance of personal space. It can also be used to curtail crowd aggression like pushing or shoving.

    The lessons of the three tragic events are instructive. Planning is critical to success. Effective and efficient implementation would avert failure, tragedy, and confusion.

  • Palliative ownership; Dangerous dams; Pensions 

    Palliative ownership; Dangerous dams; Pensions 

    Nigerian politicians need to meet and agree to hand Nigeria back to Nigerians, politically and financially. Election rigging deprives citizens of their voting choice. Corrupt governance deprives the citizens of Social Development Goal (SDG) targets. Together they are the bane of citizenry and budgets. Nigerian politicians have caused enough deceit and problem in their ‘Command and Control Strategies’ over the citizenry.   A key hurtful example in the ‘Nigerian Political Power Game’ is the ‘Donation Game’ in which, while supervising the ‘misplacement’ of billions, they insultingly announce ‘I, Governor/Senator/Representative so-and-so Donate XYZ TO ABC’…’ when it should be ‘Our People Donate through me the sum of …’ Please let us ridicule, call out and ban nationwide, the illegal personalisation of publicly owned funds disbursed to the citizens and especially Constituency Project funds.

    Please and please, LGAs, states, federal government at ministerial, MDAs and Presidency and political wives should desist from the scandalous ‘take-over of public resources’ by boastfully branding palliatives with personalised photographs and names of LGA and SCDA chairmen, , senators and representatives, state governors ministers, heads of MDAs and even the vice president and president and even the SCDAs. It is not their money or material to give away. It is the citizens’ money being channelled back to the citizenry. The picture on the palliatives should be absent or a ‘Not for sale’ stamp. The name on the palliatives should be ‘Fellow Nigerians’ or ‘Citizens of Nigeria’. Constituency projects should be scrapped. Nigerians, not politicians, own palliatives. Politicians are merely the messenger and must not claim the ownership or credit.

    Of course, this will not stop corruption in Nigeria but is an essential step in politicians giving up ‘illegal and corrupt ownership of public funds’. It is not their money for them to spend. It is our money, not to be used as yet another cheap political publicity stunt. After that step, just maybe, the political class will understand its sworn responsibility and then undertake the actions required for all levels of politics to ensure that the entire budget will be expended on projects and the citizenry. Only then will corruption be seen as an aberration instead of the current perception that ‘CORRUPTION IS THE CENTREPIECE OF POLITICAL DECISION MAKING AND ACTIONS’.    

    Now another 42 dead in Gbajibi village, Niger State mostly because of no life jacket or helpful waterways authority.  Sadly, there is tossing of responsibility for purchasing life jackets between governments, the canoe owners and the passengers. Whose responsibility is the life jackets? Please conclude. Looking at the canoes, the water level is less than six centimetres below the edge. Too small for rough weather. Do the canoes need redesign?

    Read Also: Supreme Court hears 16 State’s suit challenging EFCC’s powers Oct 22

    Dredging and clearing of refuse is always a far too late government response to an easily predictable flood. Why not more preventive measures? It is better to pre-empt floods. However, the tragic floods in Maiduguri displacing two million and costing billions in losses and hundreds of dead Fellow Nigerians and more recently in Lagos and now Ondo highlight the need for planned and executed preventive measures. Not all floods can be prevented, not all lives can be saved, but loss of life and property can be minimised by a ‘Disaster Prevention Plan’. Sadly, politicians see ‘Disaster Prevention Plans’ as being at the same level as ‘Monitoring’ and the much maligned ‘Maintenance’. These budgetary headings are 100% conduits for corruption as the funds are labelled ‘ETS’ Easy To Inflate or Steal’, often non-traceable and easy to steal or ‘divert’ to unknown avenues. For many years the murky waters around Nigeria’s dams have concealed much corruption as their [non]maintenance has been exploited maximally politically by those in charge of the budgets of the dangerous dams of Nigeria. It is unconscionable, irresponsible, criminally liable [except in Nigeria] for senior dam  authorities to publicly attest to the integrity of dams like the Maiduguri Dam which burst a few days after killing hundreds. IN FUTURE, DAM AUTHORITIES PERSONNEL SHOULD LIVE WITH THE PEOPLE BELOW THE DAM. It has come out that the Maiduguri dam was known to be compromised especially in the last two years. Politicians are so selfish that they think corruptly and ‘self-enrichment’ about everything, even decisions to reduce life-threatening outcomes. Disasters like bridge collapses, dam bursts, road disrepair and floods are collectively catastrophic over large areas and damage far more than just the structure.               

    Zamfara governor pays retirees since 2021 N9b pension areas. We thought such headlines were history. Past governors must be prosecuted for not paying pensions. Pensions are small and poorly index-linked especially for level 7 and below. Naira value makes pension arrears settlement using earned rates an ‘anti-citizen pension scam’ as N1000 in 2021 was $3 in 2021 but today it is $0.66 and this loss of value has rubbished the value of late pension payment which has caused economic and social disaster across Nigerian society and is a major excuse for the obvious greed and corrupt self-enrichment of particularly Nigeria’s civil servants. How many pensioners are dead because governors stole their pension funds years ago? After clearing arrears, governors must pay pensions as and when due. How many Nigerian pensioners are being disgraced before their families for being broke, unable to contribute to the education and maintenance of family members while politicians steal billions? 

    Over 600 citizens killed in Burkina Faso in one motorcycle bandit attack and bandits attack Katsina mosque. Danger all around!

  • Osun to distribute 28,440 bags of grain, garri as FG’s palliative on Tuesday to tackle hunger

    Osun to distribute 28,440 bags of grain, garri as FG’s palliative on Tuesday to tackle hunger

    The Osun state government is set to begin distributing 28,440 bags of Garri and corn provided by the federal government of Nigeria to alleviate the impact of hunger and hardship in the country.

    The Commissioner of Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Monday, July 29, confirmed that the state had received 43 trucks, four of which carried 25kg bags of Garri, totalling 5,040 bags.

    He said 39 trucks containing 50kg bags of corn, with 600 bags in each truck, totaling 23,400 bags, were delivered to the state by the Federal Government.

    According to him, “This current food palliative which consists of Garri and Corn originated from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and is distributed by the National Emergency Management Agency Office (NEMA), Abuja.

    “The palliative is being received by the Osun State Government through the office the of Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), However, for transparency, record, and accountability, the Officials of Nigeria Police, I. C.P.C. D.S.S and EFCC and NEMA are readily on the ground to monitor the offloading and documentation of the consignments of the food palliatives.

    “Accordingly, the distribution of the food palliatives to the would-be beneficiaries throughout the State will commence, tomorrow, Tuesday, 30th July 2024 and it is going to be carried out in line with an already spelt out template given by the FG which is in concomitant with the one also already mapped out by the Osun State Government.”

    Read Also: Eko Club distributes food palliatives to Lagos communities

    He explained: “Osun state government started receiving and offloading the trucks of the two edibles of Garri and corns from Thursday, 11th of July, 2024 at OSEMA warehouse in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

    “So far, as of Sunday, the 28th of July, 2024, 4 trucks of Garri of 25kg and 21 trucks of Corns of 50kg bag, have been received. While all 4 trucks of Garri and the 16 trucks of corn have been offloaded, the remaining 5 trucks of corn will be offloaded today as Osun State Government is still expecting 1 truck of corn today, Monday, the 29th of July, 2024.

    “The formal distribution exercise will commence with immediate effect, tomorrow, Tuesday, 30th of J 2024 through a clean, clear, thorough, and transparent process.”

  • ‘Ogun’s N5b intervention palliative impacting residents’ lives’

    ‘Ogun’s N5b intervention palliative impacting residents’ lives’

    The N5billion Ogun State Intervention Palliative, meant to cushion the impact of the current economic challenges in the country, is having direct impacts on the people of the state.

    This was made known yesterday by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Information, Kayode Akinmade, while speaking on an OGTV Current Affairs Programme, The RoundTable.

    He said through targeted interventions, the government aims to address the current economic challenges by implementing series of phased initiatives aimed at alleviating the burdens.

    Abiodun had recently announced N5billion intervention funds to cushion the effect of the rising cost of living and inflation in the state.

    Read Also: Niger govt urged to include PWD in palliative distribution committee

    The grant, according to him, is planned to be shared as palliatives to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

    The governor during a news conference held in Abeokuta said his administration acknowledged the current hardship in the country, occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal and the concerns raised from different quarters regarding the rising food prices and shortages, coupled with the depreciation of the Naira.

    Expressing a sense of emotions, he noted that proactive measures to alleviate the impact of the challenges to guarantee the welfare, well-being and wellness of the residents of the state “in this difficult time will be implemented.”

    Akinmade said: “Ogun is the first state to implement the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus initiative, to take care of transportation challenges. The buses are currently positioned on strategic routes in the state where people are meant to pay a token fee to cover a reasonable distance.”

  • Lagos council boss Alabi inaugurates 16-man committee on palliative distribution

    Lagos council boss Alabi inaugurates 16-man committee on palliative distribution

    The chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Kolade Alabi David has inaugurated a 16-man committee to work on various forms of palliative measures aimed at cushioning the effect of economic hardship for Bariga residents.

    The committee was inaugurated on Monday, February 26, at the Executive chambers of the Bariga LCDA.

    Alabi announced the committee is to be chaired by former Akoka CDA chairman, Mr. Segun Adesanya, and he would also serve as co-chairman, while Dr. Kehinde Lawal will serve as the Secretary of the Committee.

    Alabi who presented the members with official letters and terms of reference, said the members of the committee were identified and selected for their outstanding pedigree.

    He tasked the individuals to deliver on the task assigned to them and also charged the committee to put forward ideas to create an ecosystem that would be engaging and rewarding for residents.

    The committee members include various stakeholders, religious leaders and bi-partisan groups, among others.

    Read Also: Lagos council to unveil 200 electric mini-cabs in March

    Unveiling the committee, the chief press secretary to the chairman, Tunde Balogun announced the names including Barr. Gbolahan Shobowale, Mr. Akintunde Nicholas Adesoji, Temidayo Adekunle Odutola (Olomu), Com. Sunday Oluwasegun David (Blackman), Com. Caleb Olonitolo, Mrs Afolasade Idayat Akindele.

    Other members are: Mr Alao Abiodun, Rev. Babatunde Elebute (CAN), Alhaji Imam Bashir Olanrewaju, Mr. Ridwan Sanusi, Mr. Ogunyemi Azeez – Roman 6, Alhaji Nureni Okeowo, Mr. Samsideen Salami (Viva Source), and Mr Lawal Alao Kazeem.

    Alabi said: “This intervention progamme will be for three months, and then we’ll monitor the situation of things with respect to the economy. You’re all selected in your esteemed position as an advocate of positive change. The atmosphere is designed to be devoid of political colouration. The country is bleeding. The spiral foreign exchange that has been fluctuating has affected things.

    “A matter that affects all should be treated with precision. That’s the reason I’ve selected you all. I will speak to that. We have the religious body represented. We’ve some of the critical stakeholders in the local government.

    “Transportation is also key at this time. I’ve two representatives of NURTW in our midst. Hunger does not know anybody. We are all hungry. We are going to capture the vulnerable and the indigents. We will also target those who deserve the palliative.

    “Renewed Hope agenda is a process. There’s no gain without pain. We need to reduce tension in our community. So in the areas of food distribution, health, transportation, and educational support, let’s see how we can empower residents.”

    Chairman of the committee, Segun Adesanya lauded Alabi for setting up the committee.

    He said: “It is a privilege to serve the local government. We’ll deliver on the mandate. Hunger has no religion, tribe, or party. We cannot afford to fail. So we are ready to ensure that we bring smiles on people’s faces.”

  • I didn’t divert palliative rice, says commissioner

    I didn’t divert palliative rice, says commissioner

    Ondo State Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, Ondo State Palliative Strategy and Implementation Committee, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, has denied diverting rice meant to be distributed to vulnerable persons as palliatives.

    A picture of a mini bag of rice bearing the picture of Akinterinwa with “Palliative Show” boldly inscribed on it has gone viral.

    Akinterinwa, who described the report as fake, misleading and derogatory, said it sought to portray him as having diverted rice meant for the vulnerable in Ondo State, for political campaign.

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    Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, in a statement on behalf of the Palliative Committee, urged the public to disregard the picture and its accompaniments as the concoction of idle hatchet men, bent on creating doubts and public distrust about the hard-working committee and its programmes.

  • Council distributes palliatives to residents

    Council distributes palliatives to residents

    By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

    The Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area (LGA), Valentine Buraimoh, has distributed palliatives to residents to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

    The food items distributed included rice, beans, eggs, palm oil, vegetable oil, yam and plantain, among others.

    The council boss noted that the palliatives were intended for the poor, the downtrodden, and those struggling to afford food during these challenging times.

    “This is our own way of providing aid to our people, and it is completely free. Considering the issue of fuel subsidy removal, we deemed it necessary to support our community,” he said.

    He said representatives were selected from various groups within the community to ensure the equitable distribution of the palliatives to their members.

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    “We have structured the distribution in a way that ensures all major stakeholders will be able to provide these supplies to their members who are in need. This aid is not intended for those who are already well-fed, but rather for those who are struggling to access enough food. We have taken the time to carefully examine all the groups within our local government council, including women, men, youths, the physically-challenged, and the downtrodden. We follow the same structure every time we implement programs like this,” Buraimoh added.

    Buraimoh said the distribution of palliatives would continue on a monthly basis until further notice, adding that a free medical programme would be available for community members for an entire week.

    He noted that simultaneous projects like road and school construction, customary court, were nearing completion.

    The chairman expressed his gratitude to the community members of Amuwo-Odofin for the trust they placed in him.

    He assured them that he would not disappoint them, stating that he was aware of the community’s needs and would prioritise addressing them witin the available resources.

    One of the representatives of the Community Development Council (CDC) of Amuwo-Odofin, Prince Abdullahi Akinsemoyin, expressed appreciation to the chairman.

    He implored him to expand his assistance beyond food distribution in order to alleviate further suffering by the people.

    The co-chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Amuwo-Odofin, Evangelist Albert Ola, commended the chairman for his kind gesture towards the community.

    He acknowledged that the chairman’s efforts reached various segments of society and made a significant impact.

    A representative of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria, Adejoke Afolabi, lauded the chairman for his commitment to ensuring the well-being of the residents despite the harsh economic conditions.

    She said: “It’s not easy nowadays; even affording food has become so expensive. With this distribution, we are grateful to him. He has promised that it will continue every month. In fact, we don’t know how to thank him enough, but God will surely reward him.”

  • Fuel subsidy removal: APC chieftain distributes palliative to Badagry residents

    Fuel subsidy removal: APC chieftain distributes palliative to Badagry residents

    A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Badagry area of Lagos State, Prince Abimbola Yenukunne Ajose has distributed food items to residents to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

    The food items were distributed to residents during a programme at the AYA Foundation office in the Marina area of Badagry on October 2.

    The event tagged: “Fuel subsidy food package palliative care for Badagry.” Was witnessed by party stalwarts, community leaders, traders, and artisans.

    Yenukunne who was an aspirant for the Badagry Constituency 01 during the recently concluded primaries of the APC reiterated that the event would be a continuous exercise because of the turnout of people, noting that the motive behind his gesture was to help the needy in his domain due to the hardship in the country caused by the healthy decision of the federal government by removing the fuel subsidy

    Read Also: FG bans use of laterite in road construction

    Beneficiaries of the palliatives thanked Ajose for his kind gesture.

    In his vote of thanks, an APC leader in Badagry constituency, Chief Samuel Segla commended Ajose for his sense of philanthropy despite losing out in the APC primaries while contesting for a seat in the Lagos state House of Assembly.

    ”He (Ajose) still has a benevolent heart to reach out to his people in Badagry and that shows the kind of man he is,” he said.

  • Fed Govt’s N25,000 palliative excites pensioners

    Fed Govt’s N25,000 palliative excites pensioners

    Pensioners have expressed excitement following the announcement by the Federal Government to pay vulnerable pensioners N25,000.

    The money forms part of palliatives to ease the pains of 15 million households across the country, including vulnerable pensioners.

    A pensioner, Muri Adegbola, who said he was excited about the news, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for considering pensioners in their negotiations.

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    Another pensioner, Innocent Okon, said he was happy and worried.

    He said he was worried that the plan might either not be carried out or might be hijacked by bad elements in government.

    On the other hand, Mrs Abdulsalami Lawan, said he would not believe the President’s announcement until he received it.

    He urged the NLC and TUC not to relax their grip on the government but should continue to defend the vulnerable.