Outrage continues to mount over purported instructions from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, directing the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to transfer N585 million to an individual’s bank account. The leaked letter containing the payment directive, dated December 20, 2023, reveals Edu’s instruction to transfer the funds to the UBA account of one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.
This transaction has raised concerns as it appears to contravene various sections of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009, designed to prevent fraud and corruption. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has reacted to the controversy, urging President Tinubu to initiate a probe into the alleged payment.
In a statement, SERAP called on President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, along with relevant anti-corruption agencies, to thoroughly investigate the matter. The group specifically wants a comprehensive probe into the alleged payment by Minister Betta Edu of N585.2 million meant for vulnerable individuals in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun states into a private account.
SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, stating that paying public funds into private accounts raises concerns about potential impropriety. The group urged a thorough investigation to identify and publish the names of anyone who may have received the money improperly.
The statement concluded by stressing the significance of investigating these allegations, ensuring transparent and accountable spending of public funds meant for the less privileged, and recovering any diverted funds to the public treasury. SERAP considers these actions crucial to uphold public interest and maintain the integrity of financial transactions involving government officials.
