By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO—In a demonstration of the growing link between politics and social welfare in Sokoto State, Aminu Haliru Dikko, Chief of Staff to Governor of Sokoto State, distributed bags of rice, textile materials, and cash gifts to loyal members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Tambuwal Local Government Area.
The distribution, conducted on Sunday, targeted party faithful at local government, ward, and polling unit levels, aiming to ease the economic pressures associated with Ramadan and the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
At the distribution ceremony in Sokoto metropolis, beneficiaries—including elderly residents, youths, and party leaders—expressed relief, noting the gesture’s timeliness amid rising food prices and nationwide cost-of-living challenges.
Dikko, present at the event, described the initiative as both humanitarian and reflective of Ramadan values. “Ramadan teaches sacrifice, empathy, and community support. This initiative is to stand by our loyal members who have worked tirelessly for the party at the grassroots. We want them to observe the fast and celebrate Sallah with dignity,” he said.
Distribution points across wards including Dogondaji, Jabo, Salah, and Tambuwal saw trucks offload rice and textile materials, supervised by ward chairmen, who coordinated delivery to polling unit leaders and long-standing party members.
For many recipients, the support was deeply meaningful. Former Tambuwal Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mai Akwai Salah, noted that the rice and fabrics would help families prepare proper Iftar meals and Sallah clothing for children. “Prices in the market are high. This support has reduced my burden,” he said.
Political analysts say such interventions reflect a national trend where political actors step in to provide welfare in the absence of robust social safety nets. While critics argue that targeting party loyalists blurs the line between governance and partisan patronage, supporters contend that grassroots mobilizers deserve recognition.
Ward leaders echoed this sentiment. Shehu Muhammad, a ward chairman in Jabo, described polling unit agents and coordinators as the backbone of electoral victories. “This gesture shows that loyalty and hard work are remembered,” he said.
The Ramadan outreach comes amid heightened public concern over food security, inflation, and poverty. Observers note that beyond immediate relief, such initiatives strengthen party cohesion and reinforce connections between state officials and grassroots structures.
As the Asar prayer echoed across Sokoto metropolis, beneficiaries departed with rice, fabric, and cash—small but meaningful reassurances that they had not been forgotten during this season of faith and generosity.
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