President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed a thorough investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation over alleged misuse of N585 million.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, faced criticism following a leaked memo on December 20, 2023, revealing that she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, claimed by the ministry to be the current Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
A statement released in Abuja, signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the President’s directive for a thorough and comprehensive investigation to verify the accuracy and validity of the reported details.
Idris emphasized that the federal government is aware of public concerns regarding the alleged payment of funds into a private account by the ministry.
The government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, asserts transparency, accountability, and a commitment to efficiently allocating and utilizing public funds for the benefit of Nigerians.
The statement assured the public that the federal government is determined to uncover the truth in this matter and pledged appropriate action to identify and decisively punish any infractions, aligning with the administration’s dedication to public accountability and due process.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the statement emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, led by Minister Mohammed Idris, is the primary source for verified information about the Federal Government’s events and actions.
The public was advised to be cautious of unverified narratives circulating on the internet, and only accurate details would be shared by the government.
Idris promised to keep Nigerians informed about the progress of the investigation, urging patience as the government focuses on ensuring a fair and unbiased process.
The findings would be communicated transparently to the public, adhering to the commitment to openness and accountability.