Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has dismissed the N585 million fraud allegation against her as a ploy by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s efforts to combat corruption.
Edu confirmed this in a message posted on her Facebook page on Saturday.
On Friday, the minister faced criticism after a memo surfaced in which she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed is currently the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
The payment instructions are provided in a leaked memo dated December 20, 2023.
Recall that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation announced on Friday that the N585.18 million grant for vulnerable populations in four states had been granted by government due process.
However, in her response to the situation which has now gone viral, the Edu stated that the charge is a fiction by her adversaries, who want to undermine her efforts to combat corruption and help the needy.
Edu said, “I am writing to address recent news circulating about alleged fraud within the Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation.
“As the minister, I want to assure you that these claims are baseless and an attempt to undermine the efforts we are making to fight corruption and uplift those in need.
“In the course of our work, we have encountered resistance from forces whose hands may not be clean, but I want to emphasize that our commitment to transparency, accountability, and eradicating corruption remains unwavering.
“The challenges we face only strengthen our resolve to serve with integrity and dedication.
“I believe in the power of truth prevailing, and with God as my strength, I am confident that our collective efforts will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the less privileged.
“Your trust and support are invaluable as we navigate through these unfounded allegations.”
