The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr Sly Ezeokenwa Jr, on Wednesday urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, following troubling revelations about the allocation of funds meant for vulnerable individuals.
Ezeokenwa appealed while addressing journalists in Awka, on the urgent need for government officials to prioritize public welfare and to address the critical issues affecting the nation.
Recall that President Tinubu had on Monday, suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, over suspected illegal financial transactions.
Eduis under fire for authorizing the transfer of the N585.2 million into the private bank account of a civil servant, who is the accountant in charge of grants for vulnerable Nigerians.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has since summoned her to appear for questioning at its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The revelation and subsequent suspension of Mrs Edu coincide with the ongoing probe of her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over alleged corruption in the handling of N37.1 billion social intervention funds during her tenure.
Reacting to the development, the APGA National Chairman expressed bewilderment over data obtained from the Budget Office, revealing that the ministry, formerly known as Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, received a considerable budget of N2.38tn from 2020 to 2024.
“Despite this substantial financial allocation, many Nigerians still struggle with poverty, prompting concerns that these funds may have been misallocated and possibly diverted to private accounts instead of reaching those in greatest need,” he regretted.
Ezeokenwa stressed the need for Nigeria to confront and eradicate corruption, through thorough scrutiny and unwavering political determination to address these pervasive issues.
He stated, “APGA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the responsible use of public funds for the benefit of the Nigerian people.”
The APGA National Chairman commended President Tinubu for his prompt and decisive actions, including directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the finances of the Ministry, as well as the suspension of the Minister to facilitate an investigation into the N585m scandal.
According to him, this shows a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
He however said the investigation must be taken seriously, and the public constantly kept in the know as to developments, to discourage the popular opinion among the people that the government is a scam.
