The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has acknowledged instructing the accountant general of the federation to transfer N585 million in public funds to a private account. In a letter dated December 20, 2023, the minister directed the payment to the private account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, citing the allocation for grants for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun States.
The revelation sparked widespread public outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the rationale behind such a substantial sum being channeled into an individual’s account. This action also raised concerns as it appeared to contravene the 2009 public sector financial regulations, which expressly prohibit the deposit of public funds into private bank accounts.
In response, a statement from the minister’s aide, Rasheed Zubair, defended the payment process, affirming that it followed the appropriate procedures. Zubair clarified that Mrs. Oyebule was a ministry staff member and the designated Project Accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG).
The aide emphasized that the N585 million was approved for the implementation of grants to vulnerable groups in the stipulated states, emphasizing the legitimacy of the payment to the designated project accountant. Furthermore, he underscored that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups constituted a vital social intervention scheme of the Federal Government, managed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Amidst the unfolding crisis, internal sources within the ministry implicated the strained relationship between the minister and the suspended national coordinator of the NSIPA, Halima Shehu, as a contributing factor. These sources suggested that Mrs. Edu’s alleged lack of support for Mrs. Shehu led to the current turmoil. Pleas were made for President Bola Tinubu to intervene personally in the crisis to safeguard the integrity of the current administration’s social investment programs.
The controversy surrounding the transfer of public funds into a private account has raised significant questions about financial transparency and adherence to regulatory protocols within the ministry. As the public scrutiny intensifies, the need for a comprehensive investigation and transparent accountability has become increasingly imperative.
