Constituents Mock Tarauni Rep Over Choice of Ramadan Palliatives

By James Ajibade//

Mukhtar Umar Yarima, the lawmaker representing Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano State, has faced backlash from his constituents over the distribution of Ramadan palliatives, which included sorghum and millet, Premium Times reports.

The initiative, intended to provide relief during the fasting period, has drawn criticism, with many residents expressing their displeasure on social media. A viral video circulating online shows some beneficiaries mocking the distribution, questioning the suitability of sorghum as a Ramadan palliative and comparing it to horse feed.

Another video clip captures security personnel allegedly flogging people as they scramble to collect their share under the scorching sun, adding to the controversy.

“These are the sorghum and millet that a member representing Tarauni, an in-law to Rabiu Kwankwaso, is distributing to his constituents. He is now a celebrity, with people taking selfies with him, while some beneficiaries enjoy the air conditioning at the distribution site,” wrote Facebook user Abba Wrecca in a post accompanying the video.

Some residents contrasted Yarima’s gesture with that of lawmakers in other constituencies who provided more valuable items, such as motorcycles and plots of land. “I swear to God, my mother will not eat this in the month of Ramadan,” one constituent lamented.

Others ridiculed the choice of grains, suggesting that Yarima distributed them because he was accustomed to eating them himself. “Oh my God, we are not horses. Even horses have stopped eating sorghum,” remarked Dayyib Usman.

Another critic, Umar Mai Rice, echoed the sentiments, while Zakareeyah Xavi condemned the lawmaker, stating, “He has disgraced the people of Tarauni Federal Constituency. Tell him that he is a representative of the people, not horses.”

Reports indicate that some frustrated beneficiaries abandoned the grains at the distribution center, underscoring their dissatisfaction.

However, supporters of Muktar Yarima defended him, arguing that the distribution included rice and beans alongside the sorghum and millet. They maintained that his efforts were aimed at providing food support to a wide range of constituents during the fasting period.