Following the startling revelation of an alleged fraudulent transfer of N585.2million by Ms. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The controversy surrounding the minister erupted last week when leaked memos surfaced, indicating that she directed the accountant-general of the federation to transfer a substantial sum of N585.2million to a private account belonging to Oniyelu Bridget, identified as the Project Accountant for Grants Vulnerable Groups.
Dated December 20, 2023, the leaked memo has prompted widespread public concern and criticism.
However, on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that President Tinubu had ordered a thorough investigation to determine the accuracy and validity of the reported details, stressing that the current government is committed to uncovering the truth.
He noted that appropriate action would also be taken against any breaches, and accountability would be ensured and due process followed, while he urged Nigerians to be patient as the investigation unfolds, emphasizing that accurate details would be shared with the public and regular updates would be provided.
In a statement titled “Betty Edu Should Stop Insulting Nigerians,” calls were made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to commence a swift investigation and charge any indicted individuals properly.
Similarly, the directive from President Tinubu comes amid a storm of condemnation as Minister Edu was widely accused of attempted felony, emphasizing that despite the Accountant General’s refusal to comply with the illegal directive, the offense had already been committed.
The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), also questioned the legality of keeping public funds in private accounts and called the Minister’s statements into account, adding that the nation awaits the outcome of the investigation ordered by President Tinubu, and hoping for transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds.
Idris also noted that the Federal Ministry of Information remains the primary source for verified information about the events and actions relating to the Federal Government of Nigeria, and pledges to share only accurate details with the public as well as keep Nigerians informed about the progress of the investigation.
