President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that relevant authorities are conducting an investigation into the financial irregularity concerning the transfer of N585.189 million by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
Tinubu who spoke through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said appropriate action would be taken after the investigation.
In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation said it 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.
The statement reads: “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.
About N585.189 million, meant for the vulnerable in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, was reportedly diverted into a private account.
This led to widespread outrage and a call for Edu’s sack and prosecution.
In a viral document signed by Edu and directed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the minister directed the disbursement of N585.189 million into one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private account.
The leaked document revealed that the money was paid into Oniyelu’s account.
Amid the widespread outrage, Edu, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, said the payment followed due process.
