Bettagate: President Tinubu orders investigation

 

Joseph Irikefe

 

As Nigerians continue to express outrage over the corruption in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation involving the Minister, Mrs. Betta Edu and the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), indication was that President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the alleged N37.1billion diverted humanitarian fund.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation disclosed this on Sunday, in a statement.

This is as Civil Society Organisation (CSOs), Mr. Femi Falana and the Peoples’ Democratic Party have insisted that Betta must be given the Halima treatment if President Tinubu is serious with his anti-graft fight.

President Tinubu recently approved the suspension and investigation of Halima Shehu, Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA over the alleged financial impropriety of about N30 billion.

On her part, Betta Edu was alleged to have initiated a memo to the Accountant General of the Federation to diverted N585 million public funds to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

That action according to Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana is against civil service rule and contrary to the Penal Code.

But Idris says the government is determined to unravel the truth as it relates to this matter, and assures that appropriate action will be taken.

He therefore urged Nigerians to be patient as government investigates the allegation and establish the truth.

The minister in the statement he personally signed reads in part: “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 that a thorough and comprehensive 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.”