By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has approved the immediate suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
Halima Shehu was appointed by Tinubu in October 2023, and her appointment was confirmed by the Senate on October 18, 2023.
The President approved Shehu’s suspension, ordered her replacement and investigation, a Channels TV report says.
Shehu worked as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, where she used her banking and career expertise to see to the digitalisation of the programme.
The former banker worked at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, from 2017 to 2022.
Recall that the anti-corruption agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission last week summoned the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over an ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered under her watch through a contractor, James Okwete.
The former minister was asked to appear before interrogators at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to explain the alleged fraud.
“The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development during your time as minister.
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday, 3rd of January, 2024. Time: 10am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011,” a letter of invitation to the former Minister read in part.
