Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted extensive questioning of Hajia Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), within her Maitama office in Abuja.
The session, which spanned hours, raised further intriguing following Shehu’s recent suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
Despite the suspension, official statements from the Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation are yet to confirm the NSIPA National Coordinator’s status.
Earlier scheduled to oversee the distribution of starter packs to victims affected by the kidney harvest in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Shehu’s involvement was halted.
This cancellation was attributed to a purported directive conveyed through a letter allegedly signed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.
Following these events, EFCC operatives arrived at Shehu’s office on Taraba Crescent in Maitama, delving into undisclosed interrogations with her. The closed-door meeting, commencing at 9 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m., culminated in Shehu accompanying the EFCC officials to an undisclosed location.
Recall that before her recent confirmation by the Senate, Hajia Shehu was the National Programme Coordinator of the National Conditional Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
In response to the unconfirmed suspension, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafisanjani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), urged President Bola Tinubu to observe due process in handling matters pertaining to the suspension or dismissal of public officers and Senate-confirmed political appointees.
Rafisanjani stressed the necessity to curb the excesses of overseeing ministers of agencies and parastatals, emphasizing the pivotal role of due process. He reiterated that the suspension or removal of any public officer or political appointee should align with existing laws, specifically when declarations of corruption, incapacity, or resignation are established.
He urged ministers to foster coordination and leadership while refraining from arbitrary decisions that may disrupt the effectiveness and efficiency of their respective agencies, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities as defined by the law.