The Minister of Human Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Beta Addo, has denied involvement in the alleged N3 billion corruption scandal rocking the National Social Investment Program Agency, NSIPA.
Recall that the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Hajia Halima Shehu, was suspended on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following allegations.
Later, following the development, he was invited by officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and interrogated for several hours.
Shehu, who has now been released from custody by the anti-corruption agency, allegedly implicated the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, in the charge during interrogation.
However, Edu said in a report titled “Re-Betta Edu linked to N3 billion NSIPA fraud scandal; baseless accusations aimed at diverting focus of anti-corruption agency” and reported by her spokesperson Rasheed Oran Signed by Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, vehemently denying any involvement in the alleged corruption and labeling it false and baseless.
As specified by the minister The accusations were made by a fifth columnist with the sole purpose of smearing her well-earned reputation and integrity.
Amid the ongoing investigation into the NSIPA scandal by the EFCC.
Edu stressed that during her four months in office as minister, she had neither requested nor authorized the withdrawal of N3 billion from NSIPA funds.
He clearly stated his non-involvement in the current challenges facing the NSIPA leadership, insisting that his name should not be dragged into the ongoing suspension and investigation approved by the President.
The statement read: “The Honorable Minister of Human Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Addo, is fully aware of the baseless allegations that are suspected to have been leveled against him by certain individuals, with the aim of NSIPA is involved in ongoing investigations. The Anti-Graft Agency Scandal.
“The charges against the minister are fake and suspected to be sponsored by some fifth columnists to drag her name into the ongoing investigation into the NSIPA scandal by the Economic Crimes Commission and Finance (EFCC).
“Normally, the said publication currently in some online media has no content and does not deserve a response, but there is a need to clarify the matter for Nigerians and supporters of the current development in NSIPA under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.”
“It is important that we inform ourselves properly,” the statement reads in part.
According to the statement, at no time has Edo asked for any money, let alone N3 billion, since she took over as Minister from NSIPA. She added that the verification of the National Social Register, NSR, which has been taken online, has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, FEC in line with the mandate of Renewed Hope to expand the NSR as well as impart integrity to it.
The statement further read: “The conclusion of the well-publicized verification exercise led to the expansion of the National Social Register and the commencement of gradual and direct payments from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the various beneficiaries.
“For reference, all the programs started by the ministry under the current Minister, Dr. of the Honorable President.
“Again, let it be known that there was no time he (Dr Beta) did not withdraw funds from the NSIPA account, not to mention N3billion without due diligence and thorough approval by the relevant authorities.”
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