In a recent development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved the release of N3 billion for the verification of the National Social Register during the former administration of Muhammadu Buhari. The social register was initially established to facilitate cash transfers and other social investment programs under Buhari.
The disclosure came to light through a memo dated December 18, 2023, from the Office of the Chief of 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,’ the memo has stirred varied reactions. While some question its authenticity, others believe it to be genuine.
Onanuga urged the public to await the outcome of the investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the alleged misappropriation of public funds in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Emphasizing that the President has directed the EFCC to look into the matter, Onanuga called for patience, stating that Nigerians should allow the EFCC to complete its work without engaging in parallel investigations or media trials....[CONTINUE READING HERE ▶▶]
“The President has directed the EFCC to investigate the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and all these matters are under investigation already,” Onanuga stated. He urged Nigerians to trust the process, highlighting that once the EFCC concludes its findings, the President will act based on the investigation’s results.
