The All Progressive Congress (APC), since taking the mantle of government, had continually attributed economic woes to the president Goodluck Jonathan led administration.
The federal government through the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, had said that the staple food, has been scarce as a result of tuta absoluta, a pest also known as ‘tomato ebola’, adding that the government was making efforts to contain the outbreak which had ravaged six states.
READ ALSO: I Pity Lai Mohammed, He Constantly Defends Our Lack Of Performance – Buhari
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But speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, the Minister said farmers have been forced to quit the North East due to the level of insecurity in the region.
He said, “People talk about the price of tomato but they forget one thing; that the price of tomato today is a direct result of the fact that we have lost two years harvest to Boko Haram insurgency.
“Most of the people you see riding Okada (motorcycles) in Lagos are people who would have been in the farm to produce consumable items, he said.
READ ALSO: ‘Tomato Ebola’ Has Invaded Six States – FG
When asked if he was convinced that the tomato scarcity could be attributed to insurgency, he said: “Absolutely! Do you farm where there is war? We have lost two seasons of harvest.”
Nigerians, have however taken to the social media to blast the minister over his comment, describing him as a propagandist who is petty and incompetent for the job of information minister.
See some reactions below:
As minister for information, Lai Mohammed must realize that there’s a difference between fame and popularity and noisemakers and newsmakers!
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) June 2, 2016
Parents mind the names you give your kids. They come to pass: Lie, sorry, Lai Mohammed, Usain Bolt… [?]
— Paschal Amah (@ifebuche) June 2, 2016
The same Lai Mohammed that blamed Boko Haram for the shortage of tomatoes will release list of looters & the amount they returned.
????— IKECHUKWU (@iykimo) June 2, 2016
Whatever Lai Mohammed is smoking should be researched and banned for life! NDLEA please take note…
— Mr Kermit (@O_ssai) June 2, 2016
Thank you Lai Mogammed! The army must search Sambisa very well. That’s where Boko Haram must have hidden our tomatoes! #NamesAffectDestiny
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) June 2, 2016
Lai Mohammed Should Be The Very First Minister @MBuhari Must Sack!!
— EFFA (@effalixumab) June 2, 2016