Transfers of funds from the Agency’s Remita to individual accounts are grave offences- NECA

Oru Leonard 

The North-East Consultative Assembly (NECA), has added its voice on the allegations against officials of the Ministry involving unauthorised transactions. According to NECA, “Fraudulent transfers of funds from the Agency’s Remita account to individual accounts are grave and demand immediate attention.

In a statement signed by its national Chairman, Abba Rious Borguma, the group urged President Tinubu, as a meticulous and conscientious democrat, not to compromise his principles for the interests of Ministers overseeing Agencies and Parastatals.

While calling for a review of the process leading to Shehu’s suspension and subsequent investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), regarding missing N37 billion from the Agency’s coffers, NECA acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against Shehu’s supervising Minister, Dr Betta Edu, and the need for a thorough investigation.

The group urged the President to order an independent administrative inquiry into the alleged breach by Edu of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulatory policy restricting the arbitrary interference of ministries in the financial management of Parastatals and agencies under their purview.

“In contravention of the CBN regulation that ensures these entities have autonomy in managing their financial affairs without undue government interference, the Humanitarian Minister is reportedly responsible for orchestrating a fraudulent diversion of funds from the NSIPA accounts without the necessary approvals.

“On December 20th, 2023, for example, the Minister allegedly utilised the office of the Accountant General of the Federation to conduct transactions totaling a staggering N11 billion. These funds were withdrawn from the NSIPA Remita account, unknown to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chief Accounting Officer of the Agency”, NECA alleged.

Source: Leadership

Photo Credit: Peoples Daily