President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by Betta Edu.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued a statement on Sunday, addressing the controversy surrounding Edu's alleged involvement in approving the disbursement of N585,198,500.00 into a personal account.
According to the statement, a letter purportedly signed by Edu instructed the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer the sum to the account of one Oniyelu Bridget as a grant for vulnerable groups in four states. However, Madein clarified that no action was taken when her office received a payment request from the humanitarian ministry.
Edu, the youngest minister in the president's cabinet at 37, countered the allegations, claiming there were plans to tarnish her image and asserting her commitment to avoiding embezzlement of government funds. Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating Edu's predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, over the alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure.
In the Sunday statement, the information minister acknowledged the uproar over the situation in the humanitarian ministry under Edu. He emphasised the government's commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability. The President has mandated a thorough investigation to determine the accuracy and validity of the reported details.
The information minister 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. The government is determined to unravel the truth regarding this matter. It 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."
He urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation progresses, emphasizing the government's focus on a fair and unbiased process. The findings will be communicated transparently, demonstrating the administration's dedication to public accountability and due process.
