Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has ignited a fresh wave of controversy, urging Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to resign over allegations of misappropriation of funds and a breach of public trust.
In a statement released on Sunday, Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite its ongoing investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. He further emphasized the need to swiftly bring all implicated individuals to court.
At the heart of the allegations is an "extremely embarrassing drama," according to Falana, involving the approval of N585,198,500.00 for disbursement into a personal account. A letter, purportedly signed by Minister Edu, instructed the Accountant General of the Federation to transfer the sum to the account of Oniyelu Bridget, citing it as a grant for vulnerable groups in four states.
However, the Accountant General, Oluwatoyin Madein, clarified that while her office received a payment request from the humanitarian ministry, no action was taken. Minister Edu, in response, dismissed the allegations as a plot to tarnish her image and affirmed her commitment to transparent governance.
Falana countered Edu's defense, asserting that the minister failed to deny approving the funds to be paid into a private account, rather than directly to the beneficiaries' accounts from the ministry.
"It is interesting to note that the minister has not denied that she gave approval for the payment of the over half a billion Naira to a private account in contravention of the extant Public Service Rules," Falana remarked.
Despite Edu's insistence on the fabrication of the N585.18 million fraud allegation, Falana maintained that the leaked memorandum from the minister indicated an attempt to commit a felony, even though the Accountant-General thwarted the diversion from the public treasury.
As the controversy deepens, Falana presses for Edu's resignation, accusing her of betraying the confidence reposed in her and emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to legal standards. The unfolding drama raises questions about the integrity of government processes and the responsibilities of officials entrusted with humanitarian aid and poverty alleviation efforts.
