By Abubakar Yunus Ojima-Ojo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a thorough investigation into the reported details surrounding the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in response to widespread concerns.
This investigation aims to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the information in question on alleged misappropriation N585m in the ministry.
Reports that the humanitarian minister, Betta Edu, came under criticism after a leaked memo on 20th December, revealed that she directed the accountant-general of the federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585m to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
A statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Abuja signed by the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the President has directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details.
Idris said the federal government is aware of the concerns raised by the public regarding the alleged payment of funds into a private account by the Ministry.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
It said the federal 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,” the statement said.
Idris said only accurate details will be shared with the public.
The minister said 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,” the statement added.
