Netizens wail over leaked memo showing Tinubu approved N3bn for verification of social register

A memo showing that the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, received N3 billion of COVID-19 funds for the verification of the national social register has gotten netizens talking.

 

In a letter dated September 18, 2023, barely a month after Edu became Minister, Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff of President Bola Tinubu, told her that her request to obtain N3 billion from the COVID-19 funds had been approved by the president.

 

“Please be informed that Mr. President has approved the expenditure of N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) only, from the Covid-19 Palliative Fund for verification of the National Social Register,” Gbajabiamila wrote.

 

Recall that a document earlier emerged showing how the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Ministry disbursed the N3 billion among nine companies, including one linked to Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Tunji-Ojo is already facing probe over the contract which is company got the largest share – N435 million. 

 

On X, netizens have been expressing shock over the leaked memo. 

 

@InibeheEffiong said: “N3 billion ‘for verification of National Social Register?’ Fela called it Authority stealing. They want the masses to continue to make sacrifices while the people in government continue to loot and live lavishly. Indeed, elections have consequences.”

@IkeGod_ said: “This scandalous heist against the Nigerian State was perpetrated on our Holy Birthday. Should we continue to stand on this mandate of Jagaban Borgu, or we shouldn’t?”

@KawuGarba said: “President Tinubu’s chief of staff approved 3 billion naira to the suspended minister of humanitarian Betta Edu to use for verification of the national register. N3 billion naira!”

@olorunwababs said: “If we use N3 billion to verify social register for vulnerable people, how much do we need to really run the empowerment? In a country where people are suffering as s result of government policies, the reckless management of our commonwealth is condemnable. We cannot continue this way!”

@MissPearls said: “So N3B of taxpayers monies was approved by BAT to Betta to verify Buhari’s social register? Meanwhile, over 100M Nigerians are poor!”