In a shocking development surrounding the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation scandal, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, is now alleged to have approved the suspended Minister, Betta Edu, to withdraw 3 billion naira from the COVID-19 Palliative Fund for the verification of the National Social Register.
A leaked memo, obtained by Economic Confidential, reveals that Minister Edu sought approval, which Gbajabiamila reportedly granted on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. The memo, dated September 18, 2023, bears reference number SH/COS/145/A/220, titled “Conveyance of Approval; Re: Appeal to Use 3,000,000,000.00 (Three Billion Naira) from the COVID-19 Palliative Fund for the Verification of the National Social Register.”
Despite Gbajabiamila’s endorsement, it remains unclear if there was written approval from President Tinubu. Notably, Edu has been under scrutiny for attempting to transfer 585 million naira meant for vulnerable Nigerians into a private account, leading to her suspension and investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
President Tinubu suspended Edu and handed her over to the EFCC after she requested that the Accountant General of the Federation transfer the funds to a private account. Although the AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, disowned Edu’s ‘illegal’ request, the EFCC suspects potential irregular money transfers to private accounts.
In a Monday night interrogation, the EFCC quizzed AGF Madein regarding the 585 million naira scandal and related matters. While the AGF provides valuable information, the Commission believes that similar suspicious transactions might have occurred in the past through designated banks without public knowledge.
Speaking anonymously, a top source at the EFCC emphasised that the Commission would delve beyond surface issues to cleanse the entire Ministry, ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing. Investigations will continue to uncover any hidden financial dealings and hold those involved accountable.
