Pauline Tallen, the former minister of women affairs and social development under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, was said to have been arrested on Friday by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over the alleged diversion of two billion naira.
The Chronicle NG reports that Pauline Tallen’s alleged detention was a misleading media report in circulation, according to her statement on her Twitter page.
The statement reads:
“At about 9 p.m. yesterday, news began circulating that I had been arrested by the EFCC. This fake news was carried by several media outlets that were either mischievous or misguided.”
“I would like to state that I went to the EFCC on my own accord to address the very false allegation made against me recently.”
“Owing to my respect for my former principal, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and his good office, I did not previously address the open allegation.”
“However, it has become necessary to do so.”
“Firstly, the decent and appropriate action, should this have been a genuine inquiry, would be to write to the Ministry for Women’s Affairs to inquire about any funds sent to the Ministry.”
“To immediately jump into the open without any proper formal correspondence is highly unprofessional, portrays a lack of respect for the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, and is injurious to my person and character.”
“Furthermore, I will like to state that there was no formal invitation from the anti-graft agency, nor was I arrested.”
“Again, out of respect for the professionalism demonstrated by the EFCC, I will make this press statement a brief one to allow for a transparent inquiry.”
“Finally, I urge all leaders in every sphere of our society and remind them that our economic and political infrastructure are to be used to serve the nation, from the highest office holder to the noblest of us, and not to be used as a tool for bias or intimidation.”
