December 26, (THEWILL) – The immediate-past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has refuted reports of alleged fraud dealings linking her with a contractor, James Okwete, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly laundering N37bn.
Describing the allegation as spurious, Umar-Farouq, in a statement on Monday, said she served as a minister with every sense of responsibility and would defend her actions whenever called upon to do so.
“There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the activities of one 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 for 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.”
