Emmanuel OchayiIn response to alleged financial malfeasance within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded prompt justice and accountability for the alleged misappropriation of N37 billion.
Expressing dismay over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) revelations, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned the corruption in the ministry.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, Onwubiko emphasized the dire need for immediate legal action against former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk, whose purported involvement in the financial irregularities was spotlighted.
“Corruption within governmental bodies designated to serve the marginalized is a betrayal of public trust,” asserted Onwubiko. “Such actions undercut the very essence of humanitarian efforts aimed at aiding society’s most vulnerable.”
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The EFCC report outlined sums, totaling N37,170,855,753.44, laundered through 38 bank accounts, allegedly linked to contractor James Okwete and associated with the former minister.
Funds were purportedly diverted for personal gains, including luxury purchases and property acquisitions.
HURIWA emphasized the necessity for investigation and a fair trial to ascertain culpability, urging expeditious legal process to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, the human rights group criticized the EFCC’s handling of social media communications, citing a recent incident involving former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Allison-Madueke.
The agency posted and deleted an Instagram statement regarding money laundering charges against Allison-Madueke, raising concerns about the EFCC’s communication integrity and consistency.
“The recurrence of financial mismanagement in vital ministries meant to address societal needs is deeply troubling,” HURIWA pointed out, advocating transparency and reliability in public information dissemination.
In the wake of these developments, the call for swifter action and steadfast accountability resonates amid mounting allegations of fiscal misconduct within Nigeria’s governmental spheres.
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