APGA National Chairman Urges Pres. Tinubu To Drive Comprehensive Investigation In The Humanitarian Ministry, Commends Initial Actions
By Dr. Tony Olisa Mbeki.
The National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr Sly Ezeokenwa, has urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to drive a comprehensive investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs following troubling revelations about the allocation of funds meant for vulnerable individuals.
Ezeokenwa made the appeal while addressing journalists in Awka on the urgent need for government officials to prioritize public welfare and to address the critical issues affecting the nation.
The APGA National Chairman expressed bewilderment over data obtained from the Budget Office, revealing that the ministry, formerly known as Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, received a considerable budget of N2.38tn from 2020 to 2024. Despite this substantial financial allocation, many Nigerians still struggle with poverty, prompting concerns that these funds may have been misallocated and possibly diverted to private accounts instead of reaching those in greatest need.
Ezeokenwa stressed the critical need for Nigeria to confront and eradicate corruption, underlining the essential requirement for thorough scrutiny and unwavering political determination to address these pervasive issues. He stated, “APGA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the responsible use of public funds for the benefit of the Nigerian people.”
The APGA National Chairman commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt and decisive actions, including directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the finances of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as well as the suspension of the Minister to facilitate an investigation into the N585m scandal within the ministry which he noted is a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
The scandal involving Edu burst open after a leaked memo revealed that the suspended minister directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585m to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups
