"The Burden of A Rising Profile And The Failure of Mischief"

My Opinion: Rebuff to Aljazirah’s Report on Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

The recent report by AljazirahNigeria attempting to link Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda with alleged financial irregularities in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development is not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation without basis. The article irresponsibly suggests that Prof. Nentawe has failed to address past financial mismanagement without presenting a single shred of evidence that implicates him in any wrongdoing.

1. Misrepresentation of Facts

The report falsely insinuates that irregularities in the Ministry persist under Prof. Nentawe’s leadership. However, there is no documented instance where he has been directly linked to financial misconduct. Instead, the allegations highlighted in the report stem from financial transactions and administrative lapses that predate his appointment. The payments cited (ranging from 2021 to early 2024) were all made before he assumed office. Therefore, attempting to tie him to these alleged infractions is both illogical and unprofessional.

2. Government is a Continuum, But Responsibility is Personal

While governance is continuous, accountability remains individual. The suggestion that Prof. Nentawe should be held responsible for actions taken before his tenure is absurd. The primary role of a minister upon assuming office is to review existing policies and initiate reforms where necessary. It is public knowledge that since assuming office, Prof. Nentawe has prioritized transparency, reviewing financial processes, and strengthening institutional frameworks to prevent future irregularities.

3. No Evidence of Complicity or Inaction

The article claims that Prof. Nentawe has not taken any steps to address previous anomalies. However, there is no reference to any official investigation, petition, or credible report that supports this claim. If there were indeed ongoing irregularities under his leadership, why has there been no official indictment or query from financial regulatory bodies?

Moreover, Prof. Nentawe has consistently demonstrated a track record of integrity and accountability throughout his public service career. It is on record that he has taken steps to sanitize the Ministry, introducing reforms to prevent further abuse. The absence of any official indictment or probe against him is proof that he is not complicit in the financial mismanagement of his predecessors.

4. Political Undertones and a Deliberate Smear Campaign

This report is part of a larger orchestrated campaign to discredit Prof. Nentawe’s leadership. The sensationalized tone, lack of concrete evidence, and selective focus on past infractions while omitting his corrective measures suggest an attempt to drag his name into an unrelated controversy.

If AljazirahNigeria were truly committed to investigative journalism, it would have sought his response before publishing such damaging claims. Instead, the article resorts to anonymous sources and speculative narratives, betraying journalistic ethics.

5. Call for Objective and Responsible Journalism

Media organizations must uphold the principles of fairness and factual accuracy in their reportage. Baseless accusations without substantiated evidence only serve to misinform the public and create unnecessary distractions from the real work being done to reform the Ministry.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda remains committed to transparency, accountability, and effective governance. Any claims against his administration should be backed by verifiable facts rather than sensationalism. Until AljazirahNigeria can provide concrete proof of wrongdoing under his leadership, this report should be dismissed as a mere political hatchet job.

 I'm Alvin Tongzum Paul

 I'm just sharing common sense!