Dr Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation could be in deeper waters as the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has said that no bulk money should be paid into an individual’s account in the name of ‘Project Accountant’ under the Federal Government’s financial regulations.

Madein was reacting to the justification of Edu on why she directed that the sum of N585 million be paid into a private account of a civil servant, Ms Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, in the ministry.

The Accountant-General said she did not carry out the request of Dr Betta Edu as claimed by the minister because such action violates the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances

A statement issued on Saturday by Mr Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press in the AGF’s office, explains: “Allocations are released to self-accounting MDAs in line with the budget and such MDAs are responsible for the implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.

“The AGF explained that although her Office received the said request from the Ministry, it did not carry out the payment.

“The Ministry was however advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.”

The AGF stressed that beneficiaries of projects should be paid through their verified bank accounts while reaffirming her commitment to upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.

“MDAs should always ensure that the requisite steps are followed in carrying out financial transactions.”