Abuja, August 16, 2016 – Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has said that there is no power tussle between him and the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, contrary to media reports.
The Minister of State who was reacting to reports in the media that there is power tussle between him and Chief Ogbe said in a statement signed by his Senior Technical Adviser ( Policy) Mr. Donald Ojogo that 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 and blackmail will deviate both ministers from this path”, Lokpobiri said.
He added that as ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing their respective states, their allegiance and loyalty are to the President at whose behest they all hold office.
“In this regard, our responsibility is collective and must align with Mr. President’s vision for a re-energized agricultural sector. This we have set out to do as ministers with positive results already underway”, he said.
He added that 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. 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”, he said, stressing that it is therefore unthinkable for the authors of the publication to insinuate lies.
“This is moreso that there is no one by the name Juliet Jiwah in the Minister of State ‘s office”, he said, adding that 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.
