Managing the IDPs better

Sir: Some people in government take every criticism as opposition. They fail to realise that not everybody is opposed to government policies. There are lots of people who are non-partisan and yet feel compelled to be critics when things associated with the public good go awry. For instance, for long, the public has been irked by the way internally displaced people are treated. And those involved in managing the IDPs brushed aside every complaint, protest or suggestion as partisan. It was only the recent cry by international NGOs – ICRC; MEDCINE SANS FRONTIERS (doctors without boarders); RESCUE INTERNATIONAL and others, that made the issue attracs attention from the local and international communities.

Incredible pictures of emaciated adults, infants with kwashiokor and mothers whose lactation functions are stymied, as they themselves fed little or not at all appeared viral and since then criticisms poured in. While one must appreciate the daunting task of feeding and taking care of over two million people rendered destitute overnight; it is the duty of government to streamline activities and make sure chaos is avoided.

While one appreciates the organisational difficulties involved in making food available for an average of 10,000 refugees per camp three times a day, it is the duty of stakeholders to devise means of effective distribution and making sure pilfering is disallowed. Even the efforts of the internarional organisations are hinged on local staff who, cannot be entirely exonerated from the shortcomings of their counterparts working for the government. Along with the somewhat deliberate dishonesty in fair distribution of relief materials is the accusations of rape across the camps. This amounts to taking advantage of the weak. As things are, life in the camps can be made better. What will enhance that goal is the willingness of governments concerned and their personnel to display honesty and commitment.

Usman Bulama, Mairi Village, Maiduguri, Borno State