…Says Not Involved In Any Financial Impropriety, Ongoing EFCC Investigation
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has been disassociated by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) from the ongoing inquiries concerning the agency.
The agency made this known in statement on Saturday signed by its National Communications Manager, Jamaludeen Kabir, titled, ‘NSIPA Clarification: Setting the Record Straight on Recent Allegations and Affirming Commitment to Transparency.’
Social media posts purporting to connect Edu to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) ongoing fraud probe into Halima Shehu, the agency’s CEO and suspended national coordinator, are untrue, according to Kabir, and need to be disregarded.
He added that the organization is exhibiting complete cooperation and support for the EFCC’s continuing inquiry, led by Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, acting as National Coordinator and CEO
The statement reads, “NSIPA vehemently distances itself from any claims connecting the honourable minister to financial impropriety or any wrongdoing within the agency.
“It is crucial to emphasize that the honourable minister has had no involvement in any financial transactions or decisions within NSIPA currently under scrutiny.
“The Communications office of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) issues this statement in response to recent online media reports inaccurately linking the honourable minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, to the ongoing investigations involving the alleged mismanagement of funds by Hajiya Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and CEO of NSIPA.
“Importantly, NSIPA emphasizes the distinction between the suspended National Coordinator/CEO and the agency itself, highlighting that the actions of the former do not reflect the agency’s practices or principles.
“The integrity and commitment of NSIPA to serving vulnerable communities in Nigeria remain steadfast. The agency operates with strict adherence to due process and prudent financial management in line with the regulations outlined in our establishment act and directives of the Federal Executive Council, (FEC).”
The agency therefore, called on Nigerians to see such move as anti-people and asked media houses to avoid spreading baseless allegations that could unfairly tarnish the reputation of individuals or institutions.
It added: “It is paramount to ensure the dissemination of accurate information and avoid spreading baseless allegations that could unfairly tarnish the reputation of individuals or institutions.
