Chief of Staff Allegedly Approved 3 Billion Naira Withdrawal from COVID-19 Fund

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is embroiled in a growing scandal that now involves allegations against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

According to a leaked memo obtained by Economic Confidential, Gbajabiamila reportedly approved the suspended Minister, Betta Edu, to withdraw 3 billion naira from the COVID-19 Palliative Fund to verify the National Social Register.

The leaked memo, dated 18th September 2023 and referenced as SH/COS/145/A/220, was said to be a response to Minister Betta Edu’s request for approval to use the funds for the verification process.

While the memo indicates Gbajabiamila’s instruction to proceed with the transaction, it remains unclear whether there was written approval from President Bola Tinubu.

Minister Betta Edu has been under scrutiny for attempting to transfer 585 million naira, originally allocated for vulnerable Nigerians, into a private account. This action led to her suspension by President Tinubu and an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant General of the Federation, has also been implicated in the scandal. Despite denying the Minister’s alleged illegal request in a press statement, Madein was reportedly questioned by the EFCC on Monday night regarding the 585 million naira scandal and related matters.

An anonymous source within the EFCC revealed that the Commission suspects certain funds may have been transferred to private accounts. The investigation aims to uncover potential irregularities in past transactions within the Ministry.

Politics Nigeria