The Federal Ministry of Power has clarified that allegations of missing or diverted public funds amounting to ₦128 billion have no connection with the ministry’s operations under the current administration.
The clarification followed a call by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urging President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside anti-corruption agencies, to investigate claims that the funds were mismanaged at the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).
Reacting on Monday, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated that he has no objection to any probe, stressing that the audit report cited by SERAP relates strictly to the 2022 financial year, well before his appointment as minister in August 2023.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, the minister emphasised that the allegations concern a period prior to the current administration and therefore do not reflect the financial activities of the ministry under his leadership.
According to the statement, while Chief Adelabu supports transparency and accountability, it is important to note that the issues raised are legacy matters inherited from previous administrations. As such, the call for investigation does not implicate the present management of the ministry.
The statement further reaffirmed the minister’s commitment to due process, probity, and openness, noting that he would fully cooperate with any legitimate investigation aimed at resolving past challenges in the power sector, while remaining focused on delivering stable and reliable electricity to Nigerians.
It also highlighted Chief Adelabu’s reputation for integrity, transparency, and accountability, built over years of service in both the public and private sectors, adding that he remains determined to uphold these standards in his current role.
