The Federal Ministry of Power has stated that calls to investigate the alleged diversion of N128 billion from the Ministry have no bearing on its current operations or financial activities.
The clarification came from Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, following a recent request by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
SERAP had urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, to probe alleged missing funds from the Ministry and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc.
In a statement on Monday, Tunji explained that the audit report referenced by SERAP relates to the 2022 financial year, a period before Adelabu assumed office in August 2023.
He emphasized that the allegations, therefore, do not implicate the current administration.
“While the Honourable Minister of Power has no objection to calls for investigation, it is important to clearly state that the audit report in question predates his tenure.
Consequently, the issues raised have no bearing on the Ministry’s current operations or financial activities,” Tunji said.
The statement highlighted that Minister Adelabu remains committed to transparency, probity, and accountability, citing his track record in both public and private sectors.
Tunji also reaffirmed that the Ministry would cooperate fully with any legitimate process aimed at addressing legacy issues in the power sector while remaining focused on delivering stable and reliable electricity to Nigerians.
SERAP, referencing the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 report, alleged that the Ministry failed to account for over N4.4 billion transferred to the Mambilla, Zungeru, and Kashimbilla project accounts.
The organisation claimed the Auditor-General expressed concerns that the funds may have been diverted, urging recovery and remittance to the treasury.
In addition, SERAP reported that the Ministry spent over N33 million on foreign travel, including estacode, flight tickets, visas, and allowances for the Minister and aides to attend the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi and the Huawei Innovation Land exhibition in Dubai, without necessary approvals.
The organisation argued that these actions potentially violated the Nigerian Constitution, anti-corruption laws, and international obligations.