In a scathing report, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) highlights serious concerns over the mismanagement of funds, abuse of financial due process, and an apparent intention to defraud the treasury by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.
Eze Onyekpere Esq., Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice, underscores the urgency of addressing the highlighted issues, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The CSJ’s findings reveal a request made by the Honourable Minister to the Accountant General for the transfer of a substantial sum, precisely N585.2 million, from the National Social Investment Office account to a private account at the United Bank for Africa registered under Bridget Oniyelu. This, according to the CSJ, raises several fundamental issues that demand urgent attention.
Key Observations:
Breach of Financial Regulations: The CSJ underscores the violation of Federal Government’s Financial Regulation (Regulations) 713, which unequivocally prohibits the deposit of personal money into a government bank account and vice versa. Any such action is deemed a strict liability offense with fraudulent intent, according to the Regulation.
Potential Pattern of Illicit Practices: The report questions the Minister’s claim that such practices are legal, suggesting that this may not be an isolated incident. The CSJ calls for thorough investigations to unveil the full extent of any misconduct under the Minister’s direction.
Usurpation of Functions: The CSJ raises concerns over the Minister’s apparent usurpation of the functions of the Accounting Officer, the Permanent Secretary, and other relevant accounting and finance staff in the Ministry, emphasizing that the Minister should not be involved in generating payment memos.
Ignorance or Deliberate Violation: The CSJ questions whether the Minister’s actions stem from ignorance of the proper procedures or a deliberate violation of regulations concerning the release and disbursement of public funds.
Contextual Background:
The report recalls recent suspensions and probes within the Ministry, including the suspension of Halima Shehu, Chief Executive Officer and National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). Additionally, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, faces an ongoing probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for alleged money laundering during her tenure.
CSJ’s Demands:
In light of the findings, the CSJ demands the following:
Immediate Resignation or Suspension: The CSJ calls for Minister Betta Edu’s immediate resignation and, if she refuses, urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend her pending the conclusion of investigations, drawing parallels with similar cases.
Reform and Transparency: The CSJ advocates for a comprehensive reform of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Social Investment Programme, and related initiatives. Specifically, it suggests the establishment of a publicly accessible web portal containing information on beneficiary criteria, names, locations, and disbursed sums to enhance public monitoring and evaluation.
Prosecution: The CSJ emphasizes the need for swift and thorough prosecution of all individuals implicated in the mismanagement or looting of public resources under the Ministry.
