The presidency has disclosed that it is investigating the transfer of N585.189 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states into a private account.
“The matter is under investigation,” the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated on Saturday.
Appropriate Action will be taken thereafter,” Onanuga added. Meanwhile, some civil society organisations have called for the sacking of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, for directing the payment.
They asked the president not to condone impunity, demanding that Edu be removed as minister and made to face interrogation and prosecution by anti-corruption agencies.
Edu alleged have directed the disbursement of N585.189 million into the private account of one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu.
A leaked document purportedly indicated that the money was paid into Oniyelu’s account.
The minister had, in a statement on Friday by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, said the payment followed due process.
Zubair had explained that the money was paid into Oniyelu’s account because she currently serves as the project accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups. He said it is legal in the civil service for a staff member, to be paid, use the same funds legally and retire same with all receipts and evidence after the project or programme is completed.
