FG suspends Accountant-General, Ahmed Idris

19 May FG suspends Accountant-General, Ahmed Idris

The Federal Government has suspended the Account-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, following his arrest over money laundering and diversion of public funds allegations on Tuesday.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intercepted Mr Idris in Kano on Tuesday and subsequently flew him to Abuja.

The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, in a letter dated May 18, 2022,

informed  Idris of his suspension in a letter on Wednesday.

The letter reads in part, “Following your recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering, I write to convey your suspension from work without pay effective 18th May 2022.” .

The suspension, Mrs Ahmed said, is in line with Public Service Rules to give room for proper and unhindered investigation.

The letter also bars Mr Ahmed from visiting his office or contacting any official in his office during his suspension except for disciplinary proceedings that might be initiated against him.

“This is to allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations in line with Public Service Rules 030408.

“During this period, you are not expected to attend to your place of work or contact any official in your office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be advised.

Also, it is expected that you will strictly comply with any instructions that will be forwarded to you in your current location or your known recorded address as stipulated in the extant rules,” the letter read.

“This is to allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations in line with Public Service Rules 030408.

“During this period, you are not expected to attend to your place of work or contact any official in your office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be advised.

“Also, it is expected that you will strictly comply with any instructions that will be forwarded to you in your current location or your known recorded address as stipulated in the extant rules,” the letter read.

….FAAC meeting postponed

The federal government has postponed May 2022 federation account allocation committee (FAAC) meeting.

The FAAC meeting is a monthly meeting where the federation allocates monthly revenue among the three tiers of government.

The meeting was initially scheduled on hold on May 18 and 19, 2022.

The ministry of finance, budget and national planning said this on Wednesday in a circular signed by Stephen Okon, director, home finance.

The ministry said the meeting was postponed due to “certain circumstances”.

“I am directed to inform you that the Federation Account/Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings earlier scheduled to hold/virtually on the 18th and 19th May 2022 have been postponed due to/certain circumstances,” the circular reads.

“In view of the foregoing, I am to further inform you that the new date for the meetings will be forwarded to you in due course.

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“While we regret the inconveniences this change might cause you, please accept the assurances of the Honorable Minister’s warm regards.”

Zainab Ahmed, the minister of finance, budget and national planning, announced an indefinite suspension of Idris on Wednesday.

Ahmed said the suspension “without pay” was to allow for “proper and unhindered investigation” in line with public service rules.