Why we declined Betta Edu’s request to transfer N585m to private account – Madein, Accountant-General
A request from Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to transfer of N585 million to a private account, was refused by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein.
The request has attracted public interest and debate, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing allegation of fraud by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, in the ministry.
Madein said, “I firmly believe in upholding the integrity of our financial system. No bulk payments should be made to individual accounts under any guise.”
Consequently, she declined the minister’s request, stressing the importance of transparent and accountable financial practices in government operations.
The request came into public discourse on Friday, over controversial transfer of the substantial sum to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, reportedly the project accountant for the Renewed Hope Grant targeting vulnerable groups.
This revelation has since sparked widespread criticism and concern across various social media platforms.
A statement on Saturday, by Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press in the AGF’s office, quoted Madein as clarifying the role of her office in government transactions.
According to the statement, “Our office does not directly handle payments for projects under ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Such MDAs are responsible for their project implementations and corresponding payments, in line with their allocated budgets.”
The Accountant-General explained that her office had received the request from the Ministry, but did not proceed with the payment.
Instead, the Ministry was advised on the appropriate steps to ensure compliance with established payment procedures.
Highlighting the necessity of proper channels for dispersing government funds, Madein said, “Beneficiaries of government projects should receive payments through their verified bank accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability.”
With a firm stance on financial integrity, Madein reiterated her commitment to maintaining strict adherence to the principles of accountability and transparency in managing public finances.
She urged all MDAs to ensure that requisite steps are followed diligently in financial transactions, safeguarding public trust and the nation’s financial integrity.
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