A memo signed by Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has shown that Betta Edu, the suspended minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, received N3 billion of COVID-19 funds for the verification of the national social register.
In the memo dated September 18, 2023 with reference number SH/145/A/220, Gbajabiamila, informed Edu that her request to obtain N3 billion from the COVID-19 funds had been approved by the president.
“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,” Gbajabiamila wrote.
“Please accept the assurance of my highest regards.”
The N3 billion was disbursed to nine companies, including one linked to Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior. The minister said he resigned from the company in 2019.
Edu’s approval came about two months after the National Economic Council (NEC), presided by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, dropped the social register compiled under Muhammadu Buhari, immediate past president, for lacking credibility.
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