The Executive Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, Hon. Aliyu Abdullahi Tashas, has addressed the recent controversy regarding the distribution of 1200 bags of fertilizer to local farmers.
On July 13th, 2024, two Dangote trucks delivered the fertilizers. A committee led by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, and co-chaired by the Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Shaibu Labaran Magaji, was formed to oversee the distribution. The committee included traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
However, Hon. Tashas, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Idris Toto, revealed that only 988 bags were distributed at the new venue, GSS Toto, with 212 bags left in storage and 18 bags unaccounted for. The change of venue, suggested by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, disrupted the initial arrangements.
Furthermore, there were protests against the exclusion of 12 electoral ward councilors from the distribution process, despite Hon. Tashas's efforts to include them for fairness and accountability.
The Chairman commended the Federal and State governments for supporting farmers and thanked stakeholders for their cooperation. An investigation into the missing fertilizers has been initiated by the State Attorney General.
