Fani-Kayode Tackles Buhari For Blaming Rising Food Prices On ‘Corrupt Middlemen’
Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for blaming rising food prices on activities of inconsiderate middlemen and traders.
THE WHISTLER had reported that President Buhari had said that food prices were on the rise because “the exploitative market behaviour by actors” had significantly increased among traders.
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The president said, “But of all these problems, the most worrisome are the activities of “corrupt” middlemen (with many of them discovered to be foreigners) and other food traders who serve as the link between farmers and consumers found to be systematically creating an artificial scarcity so that they can sell at higher prices.”
Buhari, however, said in a statement by his senior media assistant, Garba Shehu, that he had approved the release of food items, “from the strategic reserves, including 30,000 tons of maize to animal feeds producers to ease the high cost of poultry production.”
But reacting, Fani-Kayode recalled that the president had similarly blamed increased food prices on “corrupt middlemen” during his regime as head of state.
“In 1984 Buhari blamed the massive rise in electricity, food & fuel prices on “corrupt middlemen”.
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“In 2020 Buhari is again blaming the massive rise in electricity, food & fuel prices on “corrupt middlemen”.
“Why do these “corrupt middlemen” only surface when he is in power?” the ex-minister queried.
