The Presidency disclosed that it is investigating the payment of ₦585.189 million grant approved by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu.
Edu is currently under fire following the emergence of a document showing that she directed the payment of ₦585.189 million meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states into a private account.
In the leaked memo, dated December 20, 2023, the Minister instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation to transfer the sum to the UBA account of one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.
The development sparked criticisms from various quarters, with many Nigerians suspecting foul play in the approval process.
Some civil society organisations called on the President not to condone impunity while demanding that the Minister should be sacked and made to face interrogation by anti-corruption agencies.
Reacting to the calls, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “The matter is under investigation,” adding that “appropriate Action will be taken thereafter.”
In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, on Friday, January 5, 2023, Edu said the payment followed due process.
Zubair also stressed that the corruption allegation against the Minister is a smear campaign by disgruntled elements to stain her integrity.
He further explained that Bridget is the project accountant for the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups, which was why the money was paid into her account.
He added that in civil service, it is legal to pay the funds for a project into the account of the project accountant.
