In the midst of a swirling controversy over a N3 billion corruption scandal at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, vehemently denies any involvement in the alleged financial misconduct.
The scandal led to the suspension of NSIPA’s National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Hajia Halima Shehu, by President Bola Tinubu. Following her suspension, Shehu was extensively questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where she allegedly implicated Minister Betta Edu in the financial misappropriation.
Trending: EFCC Raids Dangote Group’s HQ in Forex Allocation Investigation
However, in a statement titled “Re-Betta Edu Linked to N3bn NSIPA Fraud Scandal; Baseless Accusations Aimed at Diverting Anti-Graft Agency’s Focus,” Edu’s spokesperson, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, categorically denies the accusations, labeling them as false and unfounded.
Edu contends that these allegations are orchestrated by individuals with ulterior motives, aiming to tarnish her reputation amid the ongoing EFCC investigation into the NSIPA scandal. The minister emphasizes that during her four months in office, she neither sought nor authorized the withdrawal of N3 billion from NSIPA funds.
READ ALSO: Enugu: 50% of Pupils Can’t Read, says SSG
“The Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, is fully aware of the baseless allegations, suspected to be instigated by certain individuals with ulterior motives, aimed at implicating her in the ongoing investigation into the NSIPA scandal by the anti-graft agency,” the statement asserts.
Edu further clarifies that the National Social Register (NSR) verification, mentioned in online reports, was approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to enhance the NSR’s integrity and expand its coverage.
“The conclusion of the well-publicized Verification Exercise led to the expansion of the National Social Register and commencement of payment sequentially and directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to various beneficiaries,” the statement reads.
Read More: Germany Reverses Subsidy Cuts Amid Farmer Protests
The ministry emphasizes that all programs under Minister Edu, including the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG), received approval from President Bola Tinubu.
The statement concludes by asserting that no funds, let alone N3 billion, were withdrawn from the NSIPA account without due diligence and approval from the appropriate authorities.
As the investigation unfolds, Minister Betta Edu maintains her innocence, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information and facts.
Source:
Read more
JOIN NOW
https://t.me/PAWSOG_bot/PAWS?startapp=6ZSAPFb3
Google News Channel
Follow us on Google News for Latest Headlines
Join Our WhatsApp, Facebook, or Telegram Group For More News, Click This Link Below;
WhatsApp Channel
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaELqhlHVvTXjDnUf80h
WhatsApp Group
https://chat.whatsapp.com/G6Lo3ss6WKLCOqBphZwQGk
Facebook Page
https://facebook.com/allmedia24news
Our Twitter Page
https://www.twitter.com/allmedia24news
Telegram Group
https://www.threads.net/@allmedia24news
