President orders probe of alleged N545m fraud in Humanitarian Affairs ministry
The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has ordered a “thorough and comprehensive” investigation of the alleged payment of N545 million Humanitarian fund into a private account.
The Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris said the probe is to “ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details.”
Idris added in a statement he personally signed yesterday that anyone found culpable would be “decisively punished” in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to accountability and due process.
Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation ministry and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation are at the centre of the controversy.
Betta Edu, whose ministry provides leadership and coordinates all matters relating to humanitarian challenges and poverty alleviation in country, is also enmeshed in another allegation of diversion of N44 billion National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) cash.
Although NSIPA exonerated the minister of any involvement , the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) yesterday called for her immediate sack and prosecution.
In a statement yesterday, the information minister enjoined Nigerians to be patient as the government investigates the alleged payment of the N545 million into an private account.
He, however, reminded the public that his ministry “is the primary source for verified information” about events and actions of the Federal Government.
The minister 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.
“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.”