In response to the mounting anger over the alleged N585 million scandal in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by ordering a thorough inquiry.
Vowing to punish those found involved in any breaches or infractions uncovered during the investigations, the President’s directive comes amid growing discontent over the reported financial irregularities.
The directive, communicated through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, comes at a crucial time as ministries gear up for their initial performance assessments scheduled by the end of January.
Various groups and individuals, including the Peoples Democratic Party, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Femi Falana (SAN), the Yoruba Youth Assembly, and other civil society groups, have demanded an impartial investigation into the leaked memo involving Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The memo instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million into the private bank account of Bridget Oniyelu, a project accountant in the ministry.
Minister Edu defended the payment, asserting that it was intended for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states.
She dismissed the allegations as baseless, citing the legality of making payments into private accounts within the civil service.
Contrary to Edu’s claims, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, denied honoring the request to transfer the funds into a private account.
The AGF clarified that her office received the minister’s request but did not comply with it.
Addressing the public’s concern, Information Minister Mohammed Idris stated, “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.”
He assured Nigerians that the government, under President Tinubu’s leadership, remains transparent and committed to ensuring the effective and efficient use of public funds.
The statement urged the public to avoid reinforcing unverified narratives circulating on the Internet, emphasizing that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation is the primary source for verified information about the federal government’s actions.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized Minister Edu, arguing that the payment violated existing Public Service Rules, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act, and the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory.
Falana called on Edu to refrain from insulting Nigerians and stressed that the AGF’s intervention had prevented the criminal diversion of the funds.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of Minister Edu, accusing her of money laundering.
The PDP insisted that her continued presence in office was provocative and confirmed the party’s stance that the Tinubu-led APC government is riddled with corruption.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) echoed the demand for a thorough probe, emphasizing the need to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds meant for poverty alleviation.
Various civil society voices, including the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and the Civil Society Legislative and Accountability Centre, called on President Tinubu to demonstrate a commitment to fighting corruption.
They urged comprehensive audits of political appointees and civil servants, with sanctions for those found involved in corrupt practices.
As the controversy unfolds, the Yoruba Youth Assembly joined the chorus of voices calling for Minister Edu’s dismissal, citing the alleged violation of the country’s laws regarding the deposit of government money into personal accounts.
In the midst of the scandal, revelations emerged that Minister Edu allegedly approved funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for herself and her team to travel from Abuja to Kogi State, despite the absence of an airport in Kogi.
An internal memo indicated that N3.16 million was allocated for the trip, raising further questions about the transparency and accountability of the ministry’s expenditures.
The unfolding situation underscores the critical need for a thorough and impartial investigation to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders and restore public trust in the government’s handling of financial matters.
President Tinubu’s commitment to sanctions and accountability will be closely watched as the nation awaits the outcome of the comprehensive inquiry.
