…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media. The former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has dismissed claims of being under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N2 billion fraud.
Recent reports had stated that she was invited to the EFCC’s Abuja Zonal Command and grilled by investigators for several hours regarding the African First Lady Peace Mission Project (AFLPM), where she was accused of misappropriating funds.
However, in a statement released on Saturday morning, Tallen clarified that she willingly visited the EFCC zonal command office and was not invited or arrested as claimed in the media.
She explained that she went to respond to false allegations made against her by a group seeking to tarnish her reputation after her service to the country.
Tallen expressed her belief that the EFCC should have first inquired about any funds sent to the Ministry for Women Affairs before inviting her to respond to corruption allegations.
She emphasized that economic and political infrastructure should be utilized to serve the nation and not be manipulated for bias or intimidation.
The former minister further highlighted the lack of respect and professionalism in the handling of the situation, stating that a genuine inquiry would have involved proper formal correspondence with the Ministry for Women Affairs.
She emphasized that jumping to public accusations without proper inquiry is detrimental to both the ministry and her personal character.
Tallen concluded by asserting that there was no formal invitation from the anti-graft agency and she was not arrested, debunking the media reports suggesting otherwise.
She addressed the allegations in order to uphold the respect for her former principal, Former President Muhammadu Buhari, and his office, which she holds in high regard.