The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina, has decried the widespread claims of outright ban on the importation of rice into the country.

He cleared the air while speaking to Victor Mark on SweetFM’s flagship programme, The Podium.

The President’s Spokesman insisted that a ban on rice importation via land borders was placed so as to curtail smuggling and ensure revenue generation from rice importation.

“Importation of rice via our sea borders remains legal,” Mr. Adesina declared.

Adesina equally said that he would have done all he can to stop his appointment as the President’s media aide if he had a hint about the possibility of his appointment.

“I was not expecting it. Maybe if I knew, I would have done all in my powers to make sure it does not happen. I have known him (Buhari) since he started contesting and wrote good things about him but I did not know he will appoint me as his adviser,” Adesina said.

He equally argued that Buhari’s anti-corruption fight is not selective, opining that chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and political appointees are not being prosecuted because no evidence has indicted them yet.

“The onus lies on he who alleges to also prove. The fact that any PDP member crosses to APC does not provide automatic shield. Whoever is indicted will be prosecuted,” Adesina said.

He further noted that the Buhari-led Federal Government is paying more than lip service towards economic diversification.

“We have gotten to the point in which we have to diversify or die. The Federal government has disbursed money so as to heavily invest in agriculture and mining. (Solid Minerals Minster) Dr. Fayemi has told us that the results of the ongoing investment may not be clearly seen in less than 30 years. However, we will lay the foundation,” Adesina said.

He equally insisted that the recent raid of some judges was only a raid on corruption and not the judiciary.

“Mr. President has said it all. No one is out to intimidate the judiciary. DSS raid was a raid on corruption, not judiciary,” Adesina insisted.

•Photo shows Femi Adesina.

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