FG approves N5.7bn for 2011 post election violence victims

The Federal Government,  Thursday,  announced the approval for the release of the sum of N5,747,694,780.00 to nine states of the federation for direct disbursement to those who suffered losses of properties, means of livelihood and places of worship in the post election violence of 2011.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati who announced this Thursday said government's decision was to assist those who suffered loses during the crisis as recommended by the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu panel that was set up after the crisis.

The states to benefit from the money, according to Dr Abati,are, Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Jigawa, Kastina, Kano, Adamawa and Akwa-Ibom.

Dr Abati explained that the interest of those who died in the course of the crisis would be accommodated by the federal government.

The Special Adviser to the president noted that based on the Ministry's report, 'President Jonathan has approved the release of funds to nine of the 14 affected states as follows: Bauchi;  N1,574,879,000.00; Sokoto, N55,888,506.00;  Zamfara,  N93,253,485.00; Niger, N433,375,875.00; and   Jigawa, N208,667,634.00.

Others include: Katsina ,  N1,973,209,440.00; Kano, N944,827,000.00;  Adamawa, N420,089,840.00 and Akwa Ibom N43,504,000.00.

The presidential spokesman explained that' Inspection and assessment of damages and losses suffered are yet to be carried out in Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna and Nasarawa states as modalities and further instructions for the exercise are still being expected from the state governments.

'Funds to cover the losses sustained by victims of the post election violence in these five states will be approved and released at the conclusion of the assessment exercise' he said.