Betta Edu: The recent circulation of a memo alleging the illegal transfer of a substantial sum of N585,189,500.00 by Mrs. Betta Edu, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has sparked controversy. The memo suggests that this transfer was made to Mrs. Oniyelu Bridget for activities within the ministry. Mrs. Edu swiftly refuted these claims, expressing dismay at the allegations and clarifying that the said sum was an approval for the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups across four states.
The Ministry vehemently denied any wrongdoing, pointing out that the amount in question was allocated for the implementation of social intervention schemes across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. Moreover, Mrs. Edu highlighted the successful implementation of similar grants in Kogi state, emphasizing positive testimonies from beneficiaries.
Countering Accusations: Betta Edu
Addressing the allegations as a smear campaign orchestrated by vested interests, Mrs. Edu firmly stated that these accusations aimed to tarnish her reputation due to her whistleblowing on a 44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA (National Social Investment Programme Agency). Despite attempts to link her to fraudulent activities, she emphasized her unwavering commitment to delivering on her mandate and her extensive nationwide visits within her short tenure of about five months.
The Ministry urged the public to disregard the circulated memo, labeling it as a baseless attempt to undermine the integrity of the Honourable Minister. Emphasizing Mrs. Edu’s unbiased and dedicated approach to her duties, the Ministry reiterated her efforts to ensure equitable distribution and implementation of social intervention programs across various regions of the country.
Betta Edu: Invitation to Focus on Purpose:
The Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups remains a crucial social intervention scheme by the federal government, implemented under the auspices of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. While acknowledging ongoing launches in states like Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and previous successful implementation in Kogi, the Ministry encouraged the public to remain focused on the purpose and impact of these programs. Amidst the controversies, the Ministry called for a collective focus on delivering aid to vulnerable groups and marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of the government’s social welfare initiatives. Mrs. Edu’s commitment to duty and her extensive visits across several states were highlighted as evidence of her dedication to delivering on her mandate.
The public is urged to discern the motives behind the memo’s circulation and to concentrate on the genuine efforts being made to support vulnerable populations across the country. “AGF Disputes Allegations of Illegal Withdrawal by Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation:
In response to mounting media reports alleging the illegal withdrawal of funds by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has stepped forward to clarify the role of the Office of the Accountant General in financial disbursements to various ministries and agencies.
Addressing the allegations, Dr. Madein emphasized that the Office of the Accountant General does not facilitate payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their implemented projects and programs. Instead, she highlighted the standard procedure of allocating funds to self-accounting MDAs in accordance with the budget, placing the responsibility for project implementation and payments squarely on the shoulders of these respective entities.
Furthermore, Dr. Madein made it unequivocally clear that while her office did receive a payment request from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, no transaction or payment was executed by the Office of the AGF. The Ministry was instead guided on the appropriate procedures and steps required to follow established payment protocols.
Betta Edu: Transparent Payment Procedures Emphasized by AGF:
Dr. Madein underscored the necessity for payments to be processed directly by the concerned ministries, reiterating the principle that bulk payments into individual accounts under the guise of a Project Accountant are not permissible. Emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in financial management, she stressed that payments should be directed to verified beneficiaries through their authenticated bank accounts. Her resolute commitment to upholding accountability and transparency in the management of public finances was reiterated, accompanied by a call to MDAs to consistently adhere to the requisite financial transaction procedures.
The AGF’s stance serves as a strong assertion of the correct and transparent financial modus operandi within governmental structures, aiming to dispel any misrepresentations or misconceptions regarding the alleged illegal withdrawal, while advocating for adherence to established financial protocols by all entities involved in fund disbursements.
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