By Odita Sunday
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Support Group Directorate has distanced the party’s National Woman Leader, Dr Mary Idele Alile, from allegations surrounding the handling of palliatives and empowerment materials reportedly meant for grassroots women.
The clarification followed concerns raised over claims that materials, including wrappers, food items and other empowerment items intended for women support groups, may have been diverted or otherwise mishandled.
Ambassador Aisha Abdullahi Hudu of the APC Women Support Group Directorate said Dr Alile should not be linked to the allegations, maintaining that the person referred to in an earlier account was not the recognised National Woman Leader.
According to Hudu, the controversy involved an alleged identity-related deception, and the activities complained about should not be attributed to Dr Alile without establishing the facts.
She also identified Dr Alile as the Director of the PCC Women Mobilisation Directorate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, stressing that the party official should not be held responsible for actions allegedly carried out by another individual.
The clarification comes amid calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding allegations concerning the distribution and handling of empowerment materials intended for grassroots women.
Hudu maintained that claims relating to the alleged diversion of palliatives, movement of materials to Edo State and the purported commercialisation of empowerment programmes remained matters requiring proper investigation.
She said the allegations should not be presented as established facts or linked to Dr Alile without credible evidence and the outcome of appropriate inquiries.
The party is expected to establish the identity of the person or persons connected to the allegations and determine whether any party materials or beneficiaries were affected.
According to the statement, efforts were underway at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja to look into the matter and establish the facts surrounding the controversy.
Any findings of wrongdoing, the statement indicated, would be subject to appropriate procedures and could be referred to relevant authorities where necessary.
The APC Women Support Group Directorate said the clarification was necessary to protect the integrity and reputation of the party’s women leadership while ensuring that allegations surrounding its empowerment programmes were properly investigated.
The outcome of the inquiry is expected to establish the facts, identify any individuals connected to the controversy and determine whether materials intended for grassroots beneficiaries were properly distributed.
The directorate maintained that accountability and transparency remained essential to ensuring that party empowerment initiatives reach their intended beneficiaries.
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