FG suspends Accountant General over N80bn Scandal, FAAC meeting postponed
The Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning Zainab Ahmed has suspended the Accountant General of the Federation Ahmed Idris over an N80 billion scandal.
The suspension was contained in a letter by the minister dated 18th May 2022 in which she said the move was necessitated by the need to “allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations in line with Public Service Rules 030406”.
According to the minister, during the suspension period, which is without pay, Mr Idris is not “expected to attend to your place of work or contact any official in your Office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be advised”.
The suspension is the latest in the N80 billion scandal involving the Accountant General who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday.
“Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 16, 2022, arrested serving Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion( Eighty Billion Naira only),” the agency’s spokesman, Uwujaren’s statement read.
“The Commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.”
He said the funds were laundered via real estate investments in Kano and Abuja. The EFCC spokesman explained that Idris was arrested after failing to honour the commission’s invitations to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent act.
Meanwhile , the Federal Government has postponed May 2022 federation account allocation committee (FAAC) meeting.
The FAAC meeting is a monthly meeting where the federation allocates monthly revenue among the three tiers of government.
The meeting was initially scheduled on hold on May 18 and 19, 2022.
The ministry of finance, budget and national planning said this on Wednesday in a circular signed by Stephen Okon, director, home finance.
The ministry said the meeting was postponed due to “certain circumstances”.
“I am directed to inform you that the Federation Account/Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings earlier scheduled to hold/virtually on the 18th and 19th May 2022 have been postponed due to/certain circumstances,” the circular reads.
“In view of the foregoing, I am to further inform you that the new date for the meetings will be forwarded to you in due course.
“While we regret the inconveniences this change might cause you, please accept the assurances of the Honorable Minister’s warm regards.”
