In response to the ongoing investigation surrounding the alleged misappropriation of N585m by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Betta Edu, the Presidency urged Nigerians on Monday to exercise restraint and patience, cautioning against engaging in a media trial.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, addressed the matter and revealed that President Bola Tinubu had authorized the release of N3bn for the verification of the National Social Register during the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari. The social register was established for cash transfers and other social investment programs under Buhari.
According to a memo dated December 18, 2023, from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, titled ‘Conveyance of Approval; Re: Appeal to use N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) from the Covid-19 palliative fund for verification of the national social register,’ the President’s approval was sought and granted for the expenditure from the Covid-19 Palliative Fund.
Onanuga, addressing concerns, emphasized that the President had directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, clarifying that the matter was already under investigation. He urged Nigerians to be patient and not engage in a media trial, allowing the EFCC to complete its work.
Recent reports had indicated that a company owned by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received payments totaling N438.1m from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for consultancy services. New Planet Project Limited, one of the consultants awarded contracts from the N3bn disbursed by the suspended minister for the national social register, was reportedly involved, along with several other beneficiaries. The Presidency stressed the need to await the EFCC’s findings and assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the investigation’s results.