Follow Us on Google
From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed allegations of N128 billion in misappropriated public funds linked to his ministry and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), insisting the irregularities occurred before his administration.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, the minister clarified that he assumed office in August 2023, while the audit report under scrutiny pertains to the 2022 financial year.
“Our attention has been drawn to the call by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urging President Bola Ahmed 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 N128 billion 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 Minister reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability and will co-operate 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 added.
The statement also highlighted Adelabu’s reputation for probity, transparency and due process, noting that he 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.”
