The indictment has however raised public uproar.
By Patrick Obia, CrossRiverWatch
As the controversy surrounding the alleged N44 billion fraud at the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA), the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu; the Agency – NSIPA, and the member of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato North/South federal constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu have bared their minds on the alleged misappropriation.
On Tuesday, the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) flooded the Maitama office of NSIPA shortly after reports of the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the agency, Halima Shehu, over alleged financial malfeasance.
The anti-graft agency is currently investigating ₦44 billion allegedly moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to persons suspected as fronts.
Reports emerged that the refusal of Dr. Betta Edu to compromise on her principles helped in exposing the alleged N44 billion fraud. Hence, there is an allegation to indict her by the Account-General of the Federation approving for payment of the sum of N585,189,500.00 Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups for four States.
The indictment has however raised public uproar.
And in a statement, issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, debunked the claim and said “It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements who in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu and stain her integrity because she alerted government on the ongoing 44.8 Billion fraud in NSIPA.”
She said the latest vile effort is an infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration. Adding that: “For the avoidance, the said N585,198,500.00 was approved, and it is meant for implementation of Grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos States. We must, however, note that GVG was first launched in the Kogi State where recipients testified.”
Part of the statement reads: “While that of Akwa Ibom and Cross River was launched in December 2023, Kogi already happened in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks.
“The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the federal government, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“The evil motive of the mischief-makers behind the circulation of the memo is well-known and should be ignored. Of note is the fact that since assumption of duty about 5 months ago the Minister has religiously visited different parts of the country like Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, FCT, Lagos Cross River, etc and this is done to ensure she delivers on her mandate she remains focused unbiased and committed to duty.”
Similarly, in a statement signed by the National Communications Manager, NSIPA, Hon. Jamaludeen Kabir, titled ‘setting the record straight on recent allegations and affirming commitment to transparency’ said the Agency vehemently distances itself from any claims connecting Betta Edu to financial impropriety or any wrongdoing within the agency as it is crucial to emphasize that the Honourable Minister has had no involvement in any financial transactions or decisions within NSIPA currently under scrutiny.
It reads: “The Communications office of the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA) issues this statement in response to recent online media reports inaccurately linking the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, to the ongoing investigations involving the alleged mismanagement of funds by Hajiya Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and CEO of NSIPA.
“NSIPA vehemently distances itself from any claims connecting the Honourable Minister to financial impropriety or any wrongdoing within the agency. It is crucial to emphasize that the Honourable Minister has had no involvement in any financial transactions or decisions within NSIPA currently under scrutiny.
“Importantly, NSIPA emphasizes the distinction between the suspended National Coordinator/CEO and the agency itself, highlighting that the actions of the former do not reflect the agency’s practices or principles. NSIPA is actively cooperating and working under the guidance of the acting National Coordinator and CEO, Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, demonstrating full support and collaboration within the agency.
“The integrity and commitment of NSIPA to serving vulnerable communities in Nigeria remain steadfast. The agency operates with strict adherence to due process and prudent financial management in line with the regulations outlined in our establishment act and directives of the Federal Executive Council.
“It is paramount to ensure the dissemination of accurate information and avoid spreading baseless allegations that could unfairly tarnish the reputation of individuals or institutions. NSIPA urges the public and media outlets to verify facts before making assertions and refrain from associating the Honourable Minister with the ongoing investigations, as she holds no responsibility for the current circumstances at NSIPA.
“The agency remains steadfast in its dedication to implementing impactful and transparent social intervention programs aimed at uplifting vulnerable Nigerians and furthering the nation’s socio-economic development, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“NSIPA reiterates its commitment to accountability, transparency, and efficient service delivery, upholding its mandate to alleviate poverty and empower communities across Nigeria.”
Honorable Ugochinyere on his part, in a statement, hailed the anti-graft agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the culprits were caught, tasking the EFCC to ensure that those found guilty are prosecuted.
The federal lawmaker also commended the Minister, Betta Edu, for leading reforms in the ministry within a short period.
He described spurious allegations of involvement of the minister in the alleged N3 billion NSIPA fraud, saying that it was rather her stance not to compromise on her principles that helped in exposing the alleged N44 billion fraud at NSIPA.