Presidential Aide Onanuga Denies Alleged Verification of Controversial Memo

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has categorically denied claims of verifying a memo that purportedly bore President Tinubu’s approval for the allocation of three billion naira from the COVID-19 palliative fund.

Reports had earlier suggested that Onanuga validated the document, but he now clarifies his position, asserting that he did not authenticate any such paperwork.

Memo Controversy: Tinubu’s Alleged N3bn Approval for Social Register Verification

In a memo dated December 18, 2023, President Tinubu was reported to have given approval for the allocation of three billion naira from the COVID-19 palliative fund.

The memo, allegedly signed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, raised questions about the use of the fund and implicated the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, in ongoing investigations.

Onanuga’s Response: Denial of Memo Verification

Disputing reports that he confirmed the memo’s authenticity, Onanuga took to the X platform to set the record straight.

He stated unequivocally that he did not validate any document and emphasized that the claims in the newspaper report were false.

Onanuga clarified that his earlier remarks were centered on urging patience for the findings of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning alleged infractions in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

Call for Patience: Awaited EFCC Investigations

While refuting the validation claims, Onanuga reiterated his stance that journalists and the public should exercise patience and await the outcomes of the EFCC’s investigations into the allegations against Betta Edu and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

He emphasized the importance of allowing due process to unfold before drawing conclusions on the controversial memo and its implications.