“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 Minister of Information and National Orientation of Nigeria, Mohammed Idris, made this declaration in a statement, reacting to the ongoing dust being raised regarding the use of public funds by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, under the minister, Betta Edu.
The Information minister acknowledged 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, saying that already, President Bola Tinubu has ordered investigation into the matter.
“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.”
Mohammed Idris insisted that Tinubu Government 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.”
He however, advised to disregard various unverified narratives circulating on the Internet about the matter, saying that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation 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.”
Meanwhile, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, had long clarified that no bulk money should be paid into an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant under the Federal Government’s financial regulations.
Madein said that she did not carry out the request of Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to pay N585 million into a private account of a civil servant in the ministry because it violates the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.
The AGF was reacting to a memo that surfaced last Friday, alleging that Edu of asked her to pay the sum of N585 million to Ms Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, “Project Accountant” for the Renewed Hope Grant for vulnerable groups, a development that has generated outrage on social media.
A statement from the AGF’s office, said: “Allocations are released to self-accounting MDAs in line with the budget and such MDAs are responsible for the implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.
“The AGF explained that although her Office received the said request from the Ministry, it did not carry out the payment.
“The Ministry was however advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.”
According to the AGF, beneficiaries of projects should be paid through their verified bank accounts.
Madein restated her commitment to upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.
“MDAs should always ensure that the requisite steps are followed in carrying out financial transactions.”
