The presidency on Saturday said an investigation is going on on the transfer of N585.189 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states into a private account.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu directed the payment into the private account.
In a viral document signed by her and directed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Edu directed the disbursement of N585.189 million into one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private account.
The leaked document revealed that the money was paid into Oniyelu’s account.
However, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Rasheed Zubair, in a statement on Friday, said the payment followed due process.
Zubair who explained that the money was paid into Oniyelu’s account because she currently serves as the project accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups, added that it is legal in the civil service for a staff member, to be paid, use the same funds legally and retire same with all receipts and evidence after the project or programme is completed.
Speaking on the issue, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, told newsmen that, “The matter is under investigation.”
Adding that, “Appropriate Action will be taken thereafter.”
