The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has disowned a social media account that quoted her as dismissing recession as just a “word”.
The National Bureau of Statistics had on Wednesday officially declared that Nigeria had entered into a long predicted recession after her economy contracted by 2.06 per cent in the second quarter.
Taking to her Twitter @Mrskemiadeosun, the minister said “The strongest of all warriors are these two, time and patience. I know people are concerned about the recession. Recession is a word”.
Her comment drew the ire of Nigerians on social media and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which asked Mrs. Adeosun to tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians for her insensitive comments.
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Reacting to the controversy, Festus Akanbi, spokesman for Mr. Adeosun, said the Twitter account was fake and the statements did not reflect the views of the minister.
“The Twitter handle, @Mrskemiadeosun, does not belong to the Honourable Minister of Finance. At no point did she make that kind of statement in her interaction with the media after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday. The fake handle does not belong to her”, Mr. Akanbi said.
“There are several other handles circulating on social media including Facebook”.
He also said his principal has no presence on Twitter.
“I can tell you categorically that she doesn’t have a Twitter account”, Mr. Akanbi said.
Fraudster, targeting high profile personalities since 1955. Abeg make una leave the woman make she do the work wey we dey pay am salary for.
Madam no mind all this bad belle people wey no want make people see the better work wey you dey do. I no fit count how many times person send me email and text message say him be jonathan and him want give me oil well if i fit bring 15billion, na God help me, if not i for no dey where i dey now.