A “thorough and comprehensive investigation” has been ordered into the misappropriation of public funds at the ministry of humanitarian affairs.
Nigeria’s information minister Mohammed Idris announced the Presidency ordered the 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,” he said in a statement on social media.
He was addressing the widespread information circulating regarding the use of public funds by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The reports are around allegations that humanitarian affairs minister Betta Edu paid N585.2 million meant to be disbursed to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun into a private account.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has already called for the President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate whether the N585.2 million has been paid into any private account, and to identify and publish the names of anyone who may have received the money.
“Anyone suspected to be involved in any improper payment or diversion of public funds should be brought to justice and any diverted public funds returned to the public treasury and paid directly to the rightful beneficiaries,” SERAP said.’
Idris said his ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by the public over the incident.
“We are aware of the narratives circulating widely and wish to assure Nigerians that the Government takes these issues most seriously,” he said.
