By Aduragbemi Omiyale
President Bola Tinubu has ordered for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of the transfer of public funds into a private account of an official of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
It was alleged that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Betta Edu, directed that the sum of N585.2 million be paid into the bank account of one Bridget Oniyelu for disbursement to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun States, under the federal government poverty intervention project called Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
This generated reactions from various quarters, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) which gave Mr Tinubu seven days to order a probe into the matter for face legal action.
There have also been calls for the sacking of the Minister, who left her position as the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Less than 12 hours after the call by SERAP, the President has asked for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations against Mrs Edu, who joined the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with the former Governor of Cross River State, Mr Ben Ayade, who she worked with as a Commissioner for Health in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday night by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, it was said that the President wants to know the truth about the matter.
“The President has directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details,” the statement said.
It added that, “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.”
According to the statement, the probe is part of its commitment “to ensuring that public funds are allocated and utilised effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians,” because it determined to remain “transparent and accountable to the people.”
The federal government urged “Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation unfolds,” saying it is “focused on ensuring a fair and unbiased process, and the findings will be communicated duly and transparently to the public.”