By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu has ordered thorough investigation of the allegations of financial mismanagement and gross misconduct concerning over N585 million, leveled against his Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this via a press statement on Sunday night, stressing that Edu will be decisively punished if indicted.
He said government acknowledged 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 following Edu’s instructions.
Following this development, Idris said Tinubu instructed that the alleged misconduct be thoroughly probed by relevant agencies as the President remains committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated and utilized effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians.
Idris said: “We are aware of 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 and comprehensive 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.”
Dust was raised after the discovery of payment of N585.2 million grant meant for vulnerable people in some states of the federation into a private account by hr Humanitarian Affairs Ministry rather than being disbursed by appropriate agency of the federal government.
A memo which had gone viral shows that Edu requested the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein to transfer public fund in the sum of N585.2 million into a private account.
Edu admitted that the official whose private account with the United Bank for Africa was used to receive the N585.2 million is Bridget Oniyelu, identified as the project accountant.
There has however been outrage as the payment runs contrary to various sections of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009. Even the Accountant General affirmed that it was not in the Minister’s place to so instruct.
