No power tussle between Ogbeh, Lokpobiri —Aide

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has dismissed a media publication alleging that the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh and the Minister of State, Heineken Lokpobiri, engaged in power tussle.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Technical Adviser ( Policy) to the Minister of State, Donald Ojogo.

According to the statement “the attention of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, has been drawn to a publication in a national daily and an online outlet that there exists a power tussle between him and his colleague, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

“To say the least, the publication is unsubstantiated and misleading. Nothing is farther from the truth. For the avoidance of doubt, as ministers, we have displayed an uncommon brotherliness and resolve to ensure food security in a diversified economy with agriculture as the hub. That vision is resolute and no amount of distraction will deviate both ministers from this path.

“It is needless to recall too, that, as ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing our respective states, our allegiance and loyalty are to the president at whose behest we all hold office. In this regard, our responsibility is collective and must align with Mr President’s vision for a re-energised agricultural sector. This, we have set out to do as ministers with postive results already underway.”

“Nothing is indicative whether or not there is a ladder of superiority as insinuated in the contents of the publication. It is, therefore, preposterous that such a report could come at a time we all savour a unity of purpose and cohesion in the ministry.

The statement however, noted “finally, it must also be stated that the reference made to the purported allocation of grains is nothing but falsehood. Procedures, processes and machinery regarding or guiding government transactions are unambiguous. It is therefore unthinkable for the authors of the fictitious publication to insinuate lies. This is moreso that there is no one by the name Juliet Jiwah in the Minister of State’s office.

“While mischief makers and political detractors are free to embark on wide goose chases, the Hon Minister of State and the Honourable Minister will not be deterred by such atrocious media manipulations.”