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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has denied that the ₦128 billion in public funds allegedly misappropriated by the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) in Abuja occurred under his administration, stating that the corruption predates his tenure.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji, the minister noted that he was appointed in August 2023, whereas the audit report in question relates 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 ₦128 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.
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“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,” he said.
The statement further emphasised that the current Minister of Power 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.
