HEDA urges investigation of MDAS as chieftain tasks Tinubu on probity

HUMAN and Environmental Development Agenda ( HEDA Resource Centre) has charged President Bola Tinubu to investigate Ministries, Departments and Agencies ( MDAS), as well as their finances.

According to the organisation, the probe would underscore the importance of his commitment to combating corruption.

It agreed with the President on suspending all social investment schemes administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency.

The group said the decision was a supportive measure for existing investigation into alleged malfeasance within MDAS nationwide.

In a statement at the weekend, HEDA chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, noted that the National Social Investment Programme Agency had been under scrutiny since the suspension of its Chief

Executive Officer, Halima Shehu.

The focus of the investigation, Suraju said, is the reported laundering of N37.1 billion within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, under the watch of the former minister, Sadiya Umar- Farouq.

He added that President Tinubu’s suspension of Farouq’s successor, Betta Edu, who is now being questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), reignited the scenario.

Edu is alleged to have ordered transfer of N585 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, identified as Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

HEDA, therefore, called on EFCC to beam its searchlight on permanent secretaries and project accountants to establish their culpability or otherwise in the mismanagement and diversion of public funds.