N4.64bn Audit Query: Explosive Revelations Rock Works Ministry

N4.64bn Audit Query and Financial Mismanagement

iexclusivenews – N4.64bn audit query has sparked controversy within Nigeria’s Ministry of Works and Housing. Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the current Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has asserted that the immediate past Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, is better positioned to respond to the audit query concerning an unauthorised expenditure of ₦4.64bn.

This statement comes amidst a wave of accusations and media reports regarding financial mismanagement within the ministry during the 2020–2021 financial year.

The N4.64bn audit query, which has been widely circulated on social media and various news platforms, indicts the former Ministry of Works and Housing for financial mismanagement and unauthorised expenditure totalling ₦4.64bn during the 2020–2021 financial year.

The report from the Auditor-General of the Federation has raised significant concerns about the handling of funds within the ministry during Fashola’s tenure.

Hon. Orji’s Response to the Allegations

Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji in response to the allegations, addressed the media, stating that the publication of the N4.64bn audit query was a piece of petty and self-serving propaganda. He emphasized that the report was an intentional, fraudulent, and mischievous misrepresentation of the Auditor-General’s findings.

Hon. Orji clarified that the investigation was conducted on the financial management of the ministry under the previous administration of Fashiola, not under the current Renewed Hope administration led by David Umahi.

Misleading Publications and Intentions

Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji expressed surprise at the pettiness of the publications, which he claimed were designed to mislead readers into believing that the current Minister of Works, David Umahi, was responsible for the financial mismanagement.

He accused the sponsors of the publication of attempting to distract the Honourable Minister and tarnish his reputation for insisting on best practices and value for money in the works sector.

Hon. Orji defended Umahi’s track record and antecedents, stating that they are well known and in the public domain. He asserted that Umahi cannot be blackmailed by those seeking to perpetuate the old order in the works sector.

Orji emphasized that Umahi remains focused and battle-ready against the major inhibitors of progress in the sector, and he urged the public to disregard the false impression created by the misleading publications.

Government’s Commitment to Reform

Call for Public Support

The statement from Orji also highlighted the government’s commitment to revamping the works sector and liberating it from the control of cartels that have hindered progress for years. He assured the public that there is no going back on the Honourable Minister’s determination to provide Nigeria with cost-effective and enduring road infrastructure.

Hon. Orji called on the public to support the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Works under the Renewed Hope administration. He urged citizens to disregard the false narratives being circulated and to focus on the positive changes being implemented in the works sector. Orji reiterated that the government is committed to transparency and accountability in its operations.

In conclusion, the N4.64bn audit query involving financial mismanagement within the Ministry of Works and Housing has sparked significant controversy and debate. Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji’s statement clarifies that the immediate past Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, should provide answers to the audit query, not the current Minister, David Umahi. As the government continues its efforts to reform the works sector, public support and vigilance will be crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability.