I Have No Objection To Probe Of Alleged Missing N128bn—Power Minister

The Federal Ministry of Power has clarified that recent calls by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for a probe into alleged missing funds have no bearing on the operations or financial activities of the Ministry under the current administration.

THE WHISTLER recalled that SERAP had on Sunday asked President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as well as anti-corruption agencies, to investigate allegations that over N128bn public funds were missing or diverted from the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET).

However, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, on Monday, stated that the audit report upon which SERAP based its request relates strictly to the 2022 financial year, a period that predates the current administration and his appointment as the incumbent minister.

The Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister, Mr Bolaji Tunji, in a statement issued in Abuja, said his principal has no objection to the probe.

“Our attention has been drawn to the call by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urging President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that over N128bn of public funds are missing or diverted from the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc.

“While the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has no objection to calls for investigation, it is important to clearly state that he was appointed in August 2023, whereas the audit report in question relates to the 2022 financial year.

“Consequently, the issues raised in the referenced audit report pertain entirely to a period before the Minister’s tenure. The call for investigation, therefore, has no bearing on the operations or financial activities of the Ministry under the current administration.

“The Office of the Honourable Minister reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability and will cooperate fully with any legitimate process aimed at addressing legacy issues in the power sector, while remaining focused on its mandate of delivering stable and reliable electricity to all Nigerians,” the statement stated.

The statement further emphasised that the current Minister of Power, Adelabu is widely regarded for his strict adherence to due process, probity, transparency, and accountability, as demonstrated in his previous roles in both the public and private sectors, and remains resolute in safeguarding this reputation.

I Have No Objection To Probe Of Alleged Missing N128bn—Power Minister is first published on The Whistler Newspaper