Audu Ogbeh reveals Buhari’s plan against another minister under Jonathan
– Audu Ogbeh refuted speculation in a section of the media that the federal government is planning on probing the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme
– Ogbeh assured the president of African Development Bank (ADB), Akinwumi Adesina of government support
– Ogbeh gave details of his meeting with the Senate committee on agriculture
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, chief Audu Ogbeh, has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government would not probe the immediate past Minister of Agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina.
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Akinwumi Adesina shaking hands with President Muhammadu Buhari
Daily Post reports that the minister made the disclosure on March 2 while briefing newsmen in Abuja.
He disclosed that the present administration would give Adesina, who is now the president of African Development Bank (ADB) all the necessary support he needs to succeed in his continental assignment.
Ogbeh further elucidated and refuted speculation in a section of the media that the federal government is planning on probing the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.
He said the GES scheme was an agricultural support programme introduced by the government of former president Goodluck Jonathan, where registered farmers in the country were granted the opportunity to pay 50% cost for seeds and fertiliser.
“Adesina had a good intention for the agricultural sector with some of his policies and that is why we are going to continue with the same programme after a review.
“We are indeed proud of the work the former minister left behind, that is why I said in the beginning that we do not intend to do policy somersault but continue with some of the programmes he left behind,” Ogbeh said.
The minister recalled that he had earlier made the same assertion when he recently played host to the Senate committee on agriculture at his ministry.
Ogbeh said he suggested to the committee led by Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, the need to verify claims by suppliers, especially from the seed sector for the year 2015.
“I complained that the bill they gave us appeared too high. A bill of N10 billion was given to the Federal Government for the supply of seeds to farmers. We needed to verify the supply before payment.
“I was surprised what came out in the media that said we are probing the GES programme of the former Minister of Agriculture, Dr Adesina.
“I just want to make it clear to us that there is no probe of Adesina’s tenure by the Federal Government and no intention for that for now. If there is reason to probe, we would have said that long ago.
“He said when Adesina was in-charge of the ministry he verified bills before payment because some of the figures submitted by the suppliers might be on the high side,” Ogbeh said.
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Adesina and the president/CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote were among the speakers at the Business for Africa, Egypt and the World Forum, which President Buhari attended in February.
The president was accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelama.
The two-day meeting which took place at the Maritim Jolie Ville International Congress Center in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt’s capital, was geared towards bring together over 800 high level government and business leaders to discuss projects and ventures across a range of sectors.
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