The Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq has reacted to allegations of money laundering of about N37bn.
Farouq who handled the the Ministry between August 2019 and May 2023 made the rebuttal on Monday in a message posted on her X handle (formerly Twitter) insisting she served the nation with every sense of responsibility.
The formal CPC treasurer denied knowing a contractor by name James Okwete who was recently arrested by EFCC and alleged to have been involve in N37bn laundering/fraud with Farouq’s Ministry.
The 49-year-old Zamfara born politician also made it clear she was ready to defend her actions whenever called upon to do so.
“There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the EFCC into the activities of one Mr James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me.
“James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious.
“While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my Legal Team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person.
“I remain proud to have served my country as a 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.”
HammerTimes News Online reports that this was not the first instance of an allegation of fraud concerning Farouq as during the 2023 governorship election campaign, it was alleged that Farouq was using billions of naira belonging to her ministry to sponsor her husband’s governorship campaign in Bauchi State.
