Jonathan’s agric revolution a big scam –Oshiomhole

In from Ali Smart …
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has described the gains of the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in the agricultural sector as a big scam that was used to fool Nigerians.
According to him, the much hyped agricultural revolution of President Jonathan, was a big scam as the nation is import dependent on rice and other foods.
Specifically, the governor accused the past government of fritting away over N800billion on waivers for rice millers and others at the detriment of local rice producers, most of who have since gone bankrupt.
“The agriculture revolution was one of the advertised achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan but we have since realised that it was purely a scam on us. It is also a policy contradiction where a government will give waivers and support importers to import what can be produced locally putting its own people out of business while enriching other nations. Local manufacturers that produce locally are punished.”

Read also: Oshiomhole mortgaging Edo future with reckless loans-PDP

Expatiating, he said: “Unfortunately for us, rice millers imported rice without even paying duties, as a nation we should not be seen to be importing what is locally produced. Where then is the success story in the sector? Agriculture is not about bow-ties and designer suits but hard facts that cannot be uncontroverted.”
He urged the immediate prohibition of food imports noting that if it’s achieved, food prices will only go up immediately but will stabilise and be attractive enough for young Nigerians to go into farming.

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