Immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hadija Sadiya Farouq, has refuted the allegations of being linked to one Mr. James Okwete, who is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over illegal financial activities.
The anti-graft agency is reported to have begun a thorough investigation over an alleged N37 billion fraud which is linked to Mr Okwete.
Although, Farouq in a statement by her media aide, Alexander Udeh stated that she doesn’t know Okwete nor worked with him in any situation.
The statement said: “My attention has been drawn to publications in some online media outlets trying to link my name with the activities of one Mr. James Okwete, who is reportedly being investigated by the EFCC, over alleged financial improprieties.
“Ordinarily, I would have ignored such publications, which at best could be seen and regarded as speculative but doing so will give energy to the adventure of those who take delight in mudslinging, especially against those who are, or have been privileged to hold public offices.
“In this age of digital media when unverified materials are easily dumped and recalled from cyberspace, it would be inappropriate to ignore such a malicious linkage.
“I wish to state categorically that I neither know the said Mr. Okwete nor have ever had him represent me in any way whatsoever. Therefore, linking me with him in whatever guise is bogus and ill-intentioned.
“I remain proud to have served my country as 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.”
I have read your article carefully and I agree with you very much. This has provided a great help for my thesis writing, and I will seriously improve it. However, I don’t know much about a certain place. Can you help me?