President Bola Tinubu on Sunday directed a thorough and comprehensive inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of N585 million in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, headed by Betta Edu.
“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,” a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Sunday.
The statement is titled ‘Minister of Information and National Orientation addresses circulating narratives on payments made by Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.’
Betta Edu came under harsh criticism after a leaked memo on December 20, revealed that she directed Oluwatoyin Madein, the accountant-general of the federation, 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.
The FG said,
“The Ministry of Information and National Orientation acknowledges 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.
“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.”
