This request follows her failure to honour an invitation from the EFCC. Following the invitation, Umar-Farouq sent a letter to the anti-corruption agency, pleading for more time.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), an anti-corruption group, has urged the Nigerian Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the actions of a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq.
This request follows her failure to honour an invitation from the EFCC. Following the invitation, Umar-Farouq sent a letter to the anti-corruption agency, pleading for more time.
She said she had some health challenges.
The anti-graft agency had summoned Umar-Farouq for questioning as part of an ongoing probe into an alleged N37.1 billion fraud during her tenure in office.
In a statement issued and signed by Olanrewaju Suraju, the Chairman of HEDA, the anti-corruption group emphasises the need for a comprehensive investigation into the N31 billion fraud and misappropriation.
HEDA stresses that anyone found guilty must be held accountable.
Referring to the President's earlier call for a thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct within the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), HEDA asserts the importance of leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
The statement highlights the disregard for transparency in the National Social Investment Program, saying the open operational policy designed for the agency by the former Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, was jettisoned.
Suraju further reveals that HEDA had previously raised concerns about corruption under Umar-Farouk, but the authorities failed to address the issue.
He also points out HEDA's past exposure of corrupt activities at the community level within the agency and emphasises the lack of response to the whistle-blowing.
HEDA said, "Similarly, we also requested for the breakdown of N535.8 million spent to feed schoolchildren during Covid-19 lockdown under the Freedom of Information Act, but the then Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq refused to respond to the information sought, until the court was approached to sought order of mandamus compelling the minister to immediately release and made available to it all information and documents requested.
"In addition, an independent investigation and available information revealed that the so-called modified and implemented school feeding programme during the lockdown against the coronavirus pandemic was a scam, cover-up and well-articulated fiction to embezzle public funds."
HEDA calls on the current administration led by President Tinubu to not only investigate and suspend corrupt appointees and staff but also review the activities of the agency.
This, HEDA believes, is essential for realising the administration's Renew Hope Agenda and ensuring the agency operates with integrity and transparency.