Media reports about investigations by the antigraft agency, the Economist and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N37 billion fraud, is a figment of the imagination of those behind it, the Pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, Hadjia Sadiya Umar Farouq, has said.
The former Minister under the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration who was reacting to reports linking her to the activities of one James Okwete said the report was not only speculative, but also malicious, bogus and ill-intentioned.
In a rebuttal by her spokesperson, Alexander Udeh, the former Minister said she was prepared to seek legal redress to clear her name if there was any defamatory reference linked to her in the social media report
The short statement by the Minister reads: “My attention has been drawn to publications in some online media outlets trying to link my name with the activities of one Mr. James Okwete who is reportedly being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial improprieties.
“Ordinarily I would have ignored such publications, which at best could be seen and regarded as speculative but doing so will give energy to the adventure of those who take delight in mudslinging, especially against those who are, or have been privileged to hold public offices.
“In this age of digital media when unverified materials are easily dumped and recalled from the cyber space, it would be “inappropriate” to ignore such a malicious linkage.
“I wish to state categorically that I neither know the said Mr. Okwete nor has ever had him represent me in any way whatsoever. Therefore, linking me with him in whatever guise is bogus and ill-intentioned.
“I remain proud to have served my country as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.
“While I resist the urge to engage in any media banter whatsoever on this issue since my name was never expressly mentioned by the agency reportedly investigating Mr. Okwete, I am nonetheless prepared to seek redress legally and clear my name if there is any such defamatory reference to my person from any source,“ she said.
