In response to a leaked memo revealing the approval of N3 billion for the verification of the national social register, the Presidency has initiated an investigation. The development follows a leaked memo dated December 18, 2023, from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila indicating the approval of N3 billion to verify the national social register under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
While Gbajabiamila is yet to officially address the leaked memo, a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved the release of the N3 billion. Onanuga also disclosed that the President has directed the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial mismanagement within the Humanitarian Ministry, particularly during the tenure of the now-suspended Betta Edu.
“The President has directed the EFCC to investigate the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and all these matters are under investigation already. I am sure that the EFCC has seen that memo from the Office of the Chief of Staff and is doing something about these findings,” Onanuga stated. He urged Nigerians to exercise patience, emphasizing that a media trial on an ongoing investigation should be avoided.
The EFCC will present its findings to the President upon completion, and subsequent actions will be taken based on the results of the investigation. Advertisements It is worth noting that President Tinubu suspended Edu over her alleged involvement in a N585 million fraud, adding complexity to the unfolding situation.