By Damola Emmanuel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged fraudulent transfer of N585.2 million by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ms. Betta Edu.
Ms Edu has been in the eye of the storm since last week when the traditional and social media became abuzz with stories of a leaked memo which indicated that Edu directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to transfer a staggering sum of N585.2 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget.
The selfsame Oniyelu Bridget, the ministry claimed, currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
Betta Edu’s instructions for the payment were contained in a leaked memo dated December 20, 2023.
But on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed the salacious scandal and revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had ordered that “a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details.”
“The government,” Idris continued, “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 Minister urged Nigerians to be patient as the investigation unfurls, and assures that nothing shall be swept under the carpet.
In view of what he termed as “unverified narratives circulating on the Internet,” the Minister implored members of the public to depend on, and have confidence in his Ministry as the authentic source of information on this matter.
He promised regular updates on the investigation.
“Only accurate details will be shared with the public,” Idris assured. “The Ministry is committed to providing timely updates to keep Nigerians informed about the progress of the investigation.”
Below is the full text of the Minister’s statement:
Minister of Information and National Orientation Addresses Circulating Narratives on Payments made by Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
ABUJA, JANUARY 7, 2024 — Mohammed Idris, the Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation of Nigeria, issues this statement to address the widespread information circulating regarding the use of public funds by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
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.
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.
The 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.
Only accurate details will be shared with the public. 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.
Mohammed Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation
January 7, 2024
