Hassan Farouk
The Presidency has said that it is investigating the transfer of N585.189 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa-Ibom, Cross-River, Ogun and Lagos States into a private account.
Recall that there have been stringent calls, across the social media, for the sacking of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, for directing the payment. Many are asking the President not to condone impunity and demanding that Edu be removed as minister and made to face interrogation by anti-corruption agencies.
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, told newsmen on Saturday, “The matter is under investigation”, adding that: “Appropriate action will be taken thereafter”.
Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation of Nigeria, Mohammed Idris, yesterday issued a statement to address the widespread information circulating regarding the use of public funds by the of Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.
The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the public, saying: “We are aware of the narratives circulating widely and wish to assure Nigerians that the Government takes these issues most seriously. 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”.
Idris further stated that: “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 that against the backdrop of various unverified narratives circulating on the Internet, 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, it further said”.
“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 utilised effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians.
“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.
