Following the controversy surrounding the payment of ₦585.2 million into a private account requested by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Recall that over the weekend, reports went viral that the minister had requested the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein to transfer ₦585.2 million into a private account, instead of the accounts of the vulnerable people to whom the money was to be disbursed.
Edu admitted that the official, Bridget Oniyelu, whose private account with the United Bank for Africa into which the money was requested to be released, is the project accountant.
Following this development, President Tinubu in a statement through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said the government is determined to unravel the truth relating to the matter.
The statement reads: “The Ministry of Information and National Orientation acknowledges the concerns raised by the public regarding the alleged payment of funds into a private account by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. We know the narratives circulating widely and wish to assure Nigerians that the Government takes these issues most seriously.
“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is transparent and accountable to the people and committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated and utilized effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians.
“In light of recent events, the President has directed that a thorough investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details.
“The government is determined to unravel the truth as it relates to this matter and assures that appropriate action will be taken to ensure that any breaches and infractions are identified and decisively punished, in line with the Administration’s commitment to public accountability and due process.
“The public is advised to note, against the backdrop of various unverified narratives circulating on the Internet, that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, under the leadership of Minister Mohammed Idris, is the primary source for verified information about events and actions of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Only accurate details will be shared with the public. The Ministry is committed to providing timely updates to keep Nigerians informed about the progress of the investigation.
“We urge Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation unfolds. The government is focused on ensuring a fair and unbiased process, and the findings will be communicated duly and transparently to the public.”
Meanwhile, The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, has honored the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Umar-Farouq had earlier cited health challenges and written to the EFCC seeking an extension of the deadline for three weeks. Still, the agency rejected her three-week request and asked her to within three days report to its Abuja headquarters.
On her arrival at the EFCC headquarters, Umar-Farouq tweeted on her official X handle @Sadiya_farouq on Monday, announcing her presence at the anti-graft agency’s office.
“I have, at my behest, arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honor the invitation by the anti-graft agency to offer clarifications in respect of some issues that the commission is investigating.”
The former Minister, who is being probed for ₦37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered during her tenure in office, through a contractor, James Okwete, is reported to have arrived at the anti-graft agency at about 10 am on Monday.
