Unraveling the N3 Billion Enigma: Examining Transparency and Accountability Amidst Financial Controversies in Nigeria’s COVID-19 Palliative Fund

At a time Nigerians find it difficult to make ends meet, I find it difficult to believe that N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) was approved by the President from the Covid-19 Palliative Fund for verification of the National Social Register. Even if this was proposed during Buhari’s era, it would have been stopped.

First, how much did it take to put the entire register together that the government wants to use another N3 billion to verify? I think the EFCC would need to unravel that.

Secondly, Rt. Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief Of Staff to President Tinubu, who was alledged to have given the approval was the immediate past Speaker of the Federal House. He knows what could be signed off without due approval, and wouldn’t do anything without the consent of his principal.

Thirdly, N3 billion is not N3 million that could be signed off without necessary approval, checks and balances. In practice, after the approval of Mr. President, the appropriate individual would then convey a presidential approval to the originating agency. I think that was what the Chief Of Staff did. Honestly, I can’t believe that he conveyed the approval for the N3 billion transfer on his own.

Fourthly, we know that any idle fund is subject to “pinching” and pilfering. It happens in banks. Iuf indeed the money was approved from the COVID-19 fund, it means the money in that pool of funds is in multi billions. Why was that fund not committed to start the building of a world class health facility that could treat life threatening diseases that make elites travel abroad on medical leave?

For a government that is less than one year in office to be so dogged with financial impropriety, what would happen if the Ministers also spend eight years like those under Buhari?

These are not good times for transparency and accountability in governance under this administration. The optics need to change.

I reinterate that I am convinced beyond reasonable doubts that nobody in government can approve N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) without the President’s seal. Until proven otherwise, I Sidon de look.

Grace and peace!!!