Why we disregarded Minister Betta Edu’s ₦585.2m transfer request – OAGF
Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), has said that her office disregarded the request by Minister Betta Edu for the transfer of ₦585.2m of public funds to a private bank account.
Edu, the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, had sent the memo for to the OAGF but it got leaked on the internet, fuelling accusations of corruption.
The expected beneficiary is a staff member of the ministry, who Edu claims is the project accountant for the distribution of the money to vulnerable persons in four states – Akwa Ibom, Calabar, Lagos and Ogun.
Clarifying the leaked memo, Madein, in a statement issued by her office, said that Edu’s request did not meet due process and was rejected for the same reason.
“The Ministry (Humanitarian Affairs) was however advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.
“The AGF noted that in such situations, payments are usually processed by the affected Ministries as self-accounting entities and no bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant.
She added that such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts.
“Dr. Madein reiterated her determination to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.
“She advised MDAs to always ensure that the requisite steps are taken in carrying out financial transactions.”
