In a recent article, a leaked memo dated December 20, 2023 reveals that the minister authorized the payment of N585 million into the private account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola. According to the minister, the money was for the payment of grants for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun states.
The allegation sparked strong reactions, but the minister’s special assistant on media and communications, Rasheed Zubair, defended the payment, saying he followed due procedures.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 5, 2023, Zubair said the corruption charges against Minister Edu were a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his integrity.
He also explained that Oniyelu Bridget was the accountant of the Renewal of Hope for Vulnerable Groups project and that in the civil service it is legal to pay project funds into the account of the project accountant.
However, the office of the Accountant General of the Federation clarified that payments are not made on behalf of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) for projects they implement.
The Accountant General explained that the allocations are paid directly to the MDAs who are responsible for implementing their projects according to the budget.
In a statement issued on Saturday, January 6, 2023, the Accountant General said that although his office received the request from the ministry, he did not make the payment.
This case raises questions about transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Citizens have the right to know how their money is spent and it is essential that authorities are accountable for the use of these resources.
It is therefore essential that thorough investigations are carried out to establish the truth and that measures are taken to prevent such abuses in the future.
In conclusion, the disclosure of this memo highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and embezzlement in our system. It is essential to promote transparency and accountability to restore public trust in our institutions.