Some members of the National Assembly in the South-South have stated that no rice or funds were released by the Federal Government for constituents in the areas during the Yuletide.

Reacting to the viral video making rounds on social media, the legislators and residents in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers said they were yet to receive such Christmas gifts.

The video claimed that the members of the House of Representatives received N100 million while the Senate received N200 million for rice to be shared with their respective constituents.

The video showcased Mr Dekeri Anamero, a Member Representing Etsako Federal Constituency in Edo inspecting a truckload of rice meant for his constituents, while appreciating President Tinubu for 2,400 bags of rice for the people of his constituency.

But the lawmaker, representing Abak federal constituency in Akwa Ibom, Mr Clement Jimbo said that President Tinubu was yet to release N100 million to the Lawmakers as speculated in the video.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu or the Federal Government of Nigeria has not released any N100 million to the House of Representatives members or N200 million to the senators.

“I am a house member, the person in question is my colleague and the video is a lie because no such things happened.’’

Jimbo alleged that the Anamero was aspiring to be the Governor of Edo state, which made him buy rice and share it with his constituents.

He further alleged that the lawmaker tagged the rice with the President to curry favour from him and the party for his personal ambition of becoming the governor of Edo state.

Jimbo, however, said that the President and the federal government had plans to give the lawmakers palliatives for their constituents but the plans were yet to be actualised.

"Palliatives: We’re yet to receive rice – South-South NASS members - Vanguard News" https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/01/palliatives-were-yet-to-receive-rice-south-south-nass-members/amp/