The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed allegations of N128 billion in misappropriated public funds linked to his ministry and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), insisting the irregularities occurred before his administration.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji, the minister, who is rumoured to be gunning for the Oyo State Governor position, clarified that he assumed office in August 2023, while the audit report under scrutiny pertains to the 2022 financial year.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in a statement issued on Sunday tasked President Bola Tinubu to investigate allegations that more than N128 billion could not be accounted for by the ministry and NBET Plc.
The group urged Mr Tinubu to give directive to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the appropriate anti-corruption agencies to look into the allegations of the missing N128 billion.
It declared that anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, especially if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing or diverted public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.
In his response, the Minister said he has no objection to calls for investigation, but noted that it was important to clearly state that he was appointed in August 2023, whereas the audit report in question relates to the 2022 financial year.
“The issues raised in the referenced audit report pertain entirely to a period before the minister’s tenure. The call for investigation, therefore, has no bearing on the operations or financial activities of the ministry under the current administration.
“The Office of the Minister reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability and will co-operate fully with any legitimate process aimed at addressing legacy issues in the power sector, while remaining focused on its mandate of delivering stable and reliable electricity to all Nigerians,” the statement declared.
The statement also highlighted Mr Adelabu’s reputation for transparency and due process, noting that he is “widely regarded for his strict adherence to due process, probity, transparency, and accountability, as demonstrated in his previous roles in both the public and private sectors, and remains resolute in safeguarding this reputation.”