Bolaji Tunji, special adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to
Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power has stated that the call for the investigation of N128 billion allegedly diverted from the Ministry, has no bearing on the operations or financial activities of the Ministry under the current administration.
This followed a recent call by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), who urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, to investigate allegations that over N128 billion in public funds were missing or diverted from the Ministry of Power and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc.
Responding to the development, Tunji in a statement on Monday, said 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 appointment of the Minister.
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He stated that the issues raised in the referenced audit report pertain entirely to a period before Adelabu’s tenure, adding that the call for investigation therefore has no bearing on the operations or financial activities of the Ministry under the current administration.
“While the Honourable 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,” Tunji said.
The statement further emphasized that 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,” it added.
SERAP referencing a recently published 2022 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, alleged that the Federal Ministry of Power failed to account for over N4.4 billion transferred to Mambilla, Zungeru and Kashimbilla project accounts by the Ministry.
The organisation said “there was no evidence of how the funds were expended, the Auditor-General declared, fearing that the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury,” SERAP stated.
SERAP also reported that the ministry paid over N33 million for foreign travels, but without any approvals. The money, it said, was paid as estacode, flight tickets, visa fees and other allowances to enable the minister and his aides to attend the World Utilities Congress at Abu Dhabi and the Huawei innovation land exhibition in Dubai.
These allegations, according to SERAP suggest a violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.
