By Funso Alarape
January 7, 2024
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation on Sunday said that
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a thorough investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the alleged transfer of N585.2m, a public fund, into the private account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola by the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Adu.
The story of alleged transfer of N585.2m was reported by SaharaReporter an online newspaper, following the discovery of a letter written by Edu.
The newspaper reported that a letter from the minister with reference number: FMHAPA/HQ/OHM/S.208 to the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Madein dated December 20, 2023, asked that over N585 million should be sent to a private account.
The letter signed by the minister, Dr. Edu, is titled ‘Mandate for Payment of Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun States Respectively’.
It reads, “I hereby approve the payment of the cumulative sum of five hundred and eighty-five million, one hundred and eighty-nine thousand, five hundred naira (N585,189,500.00). These are payment programs and activities of the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups.”
Reacting to the story, the minister said that she had not flouted any law by her action, adding that the transfer of N585,189,500.00 into a personal account adhered to current civil service regulations and was legally permissible.
But the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein said she did not honour the request because it was not her responsibility to make payments for projects on behalf of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA’s). Madein’s position was contained in a statement by the Director of Press, Mr. Bawa Mokwa of the OAGF, in Abuja on Saturday.
She stated that 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.
Reacting to the transfer controversy, the Information Minister said that the government was determined to unravel the truth as it related to the matter, and assured that appropriate action would 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.
In a statement to address the widespread information circulating regarding the use of public funds by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Idris said, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation acknowledges 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. We are aware of the narratives circulating widely and wish to assure Nigerians that the Government takes these issues most seriously.
“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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.
“In light of recent events, the President has directed a thorough 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.
“The public is advised to note, against the backdrop of various unverified narratives circulating on the Internet, that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, under the leadership of Minister Mohammed Idris, 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.
Mohammed Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation
January 7, 2024