Edugate: Tinubu Approved N3bn For National Social Register Verification – Presidency

The Presidency has called for restraint and patience from Nigerians, warning against a media trial on the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N585m by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr Betta Edu.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said this on Monday in response to fresh revelations on the matter.

According to Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu approved the release of N3bn to verify the National Social Register under the former administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

A memo dated December 18, 2023, from the Office of Chief of the Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, titled ‘Conveyance of approval; Re: appeal to use N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) from the Covid-19 palliative fund for verification of the national social register, has generated controversies.

The memo which gave the approval reads, “The above subject refers. Please be informed that Mr President has approved the expenditure of N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) only, from the Covid-19 Palliative Fund for verification of the National Social Register. Please accept the assurance of my highest regards.”

Speaking on the issue, Onanuga said “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 had seen that memo from the Office of the Chief of Staff and they are doing something about these findings.

“Let us allow them to do their work. Let us not to be doing double investigation on the same issue or a media trial on an issue that is under investigation. Nigerians should exercise patience.

“When the EFCC is done with their findings, they will tender their report to the President who will then act on the result of the investigation.”