By Pascal Oparada
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Lai Mohammed has come under heavy criticisms over his comments on the welfare of the leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), El-Zazaky.
In a video trending on social media, Mohammed was heard saying that the Nigerian government spends about N3.5million, about $9,700 monthly feeding the embattled Shiite leader.
“The issue of where he (El-Zazaky) is , let’s keep it off record, Mohammed said. It costs the government about N3.5million ($9,700) to feed him (El-Zazaky)”, he said.
This has drawn the ire of Nigerians who believe the figure quoted by the minister is unrealistic because the government prides itself of being frugal.
Others say its the trademark of the government to claim spurious figures when it concerns violating court order so they can justify their stance.
Social Commentator, Kayode Ogundamisi said the minister has done it again by quoting unrealistic figures.
“It costs the Nigerian government N3.5m per month to feed ElZakzaky.” – Lai Mohammed. Lai Mohammed did it again……. Is ElZakzaky being fed with raw gold?
El-Zazacky has been in the custody of the Department State Services (DSS) since December 2015 despite court orders for him to be freed.