President Bola Tinubu issued a directive for a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged N585m scandal surrounding the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The President expressed a firm commitment to “decisively punish” individuals found responsible for any breaches or infractions uncovered during the investigations.

The directive was communicated through a statement released by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, as public outrage escalated over the reported violations of the Federal Government’s financial regulations.

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This move coincides with preparations for the first performance assessment of ministries by the end of January.

Various groups and individuals, including the Peoples Democratic Party, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Femi Falana, SAN, the Yoruba Youth Assembly, and other civil society organizations, have called for an unbiased investigation into the leaked memo allegedly instructing the payment of N585m into a private bank account.

The memo was attributed to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and addressed to the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein.

While Edu defended the payment, stating it was for vulnerable groups in certain states, the Accountant-General of the Federation denied honoring the request.

In response to the growing public concern, the Minister of Information and National Orientation emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The statement reassured Nigerians that the President would take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized the minister for allegedly insulting Nigerians and argued that the payment violated public service rules and relevant laws.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called for the immediate sacking and prosecution of Minister Betta Edu, accusing her of money laundering.

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project urged the President to direct relevant anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly probe the allegations.

Other civil society voices, including the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and the Civil Society Legislative and Accountability Centre, emphasized the need for a comprehensive audit and investigation into corruption allegations within the ministry.