The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has described the N585m fraud allegation against her as baseless and an alleged attempt by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s effort in fighting corruption.
The embattled minister made this known in a statement posted on her Facebook page on Saturday.
The minister came under heavy criticism on Friday after a memo surfaced where 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 currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
The instruction for the payment is contained in a leaked memo dated December 20, 2023.
PUNCH online reports that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, on Friday, said the N585.18m grant for vulnerable groups in four states was approved and followed the stipulated due process of government.
Breaking silence on the matter which has since gone viral, the minister noted that the allegation is a mere fabrication by her detractors who seek to frustrate her efforts in her fight against corruption and uplifting the needy.
She 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 emphasise 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.”