Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, has highlighted the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, particularly in the agriculture sector.
In an interview on Channels TV's Sunrise Daily, Shehu stated that the administration had successfully created 12 million new jobs in agriculture alone. He also claimed that president never stole a penny since assuming office as president.
According to Shehu, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has reported the creation of 12 million new jobs. He also pointed out the significant progress made in agriculture, including the increase in functional fertilizer processing companies from four to 52 under this administration. This expansion has led to a boost in fertilizer supplies to support the 12 million new rice farmers. Consequently, Nigeria has achieved food sufficiency and diversified its economy, moving away from a dependence on a single commodity.
Shehu further emphasized the administration's success in reducing the country's reliance on foreign rice imports, which used to cost $5 billion daily. He stated that currently, no US dollar leaves the Central Bank of Nigeria for the importation of rice, reflecting the significant progress made in the agricultural sector.
Regarding corruption, Shehu asserted that President Buhari did not possess any accounts containing stolen funds and had no fear of prosecution after leaving office. He expressed confidence in the president's integrity, stating that he, as the spokesperson, firmly believes that nobody can discover any hidden bank accounts with large sums of money linked to President Buhari.
“As his spokesperson, I go to bed, I sleep soundly convinced that nobody, whether from Nigeria or outside the country, can call me to say we have discovered this bank account and your boss has these huge millions. That’s not Buhari; he is well-above scandal and that is how it will end,” he said.