Lagos — The Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Y. Lame, has denied the allegation of financial impropriety against his office by the Committee of the House of Representatives on Police Affairs.

He stated this yesterday in an interactive session with jounalists, adding that the money that was appropriated for the ministry in the 2009 fiscal year was N5.7 Billion.

According to him, about N5.5 Billion of the money was only released to the ministry about five to six weeks ago.

The Minister stated further that with the foregoing explanation, there was no way it would have been possible for him or anybody whatsoever to have spent such amount within the period, just as he stressed that all due processes were being followed by his leadership and other Principal staff of the ministry in ensuring that the money was judiciously spent.

He explained further that the money was still intact and would be properly expended, stating that it had been ear marked by the Federal Government for the well fair of policemen.

"We believe we are not yet late in the areas of budget implementation, despite the fact that the release of the money had actually delayed our procurement plans."

The minister said prior to the release of the money, the ministry of Police Affairs had in conjunction with the hierarchy of the Nigeria Police looked at the issue of community policing requirements and got the framework, including the training requirements of the Police personnel as priority.

He however opined that what was being delayed was the procurement Contracts, stressing that very soon, his administration would start the execution of the procurements, adding that some of the procurement contracts may require the importation of some items which is capable of taking about three months to four months, before they were brought into the country as well as the eventual delivery to the ministry.

Dr. Lame further disclosed that what prompted the ministry's recent interaction with the Police Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, was that the latter were particularly concerned about the perceived slow level of the implementation of the Budget, with regards to the program of the seven cities, which he said he had painstakingly explained to the committee members.

The Minister however stated that it was unfortunate, that the issue was somehow overblown by the Media, just as he conceded that it was a very good thing that the opportunity came for the ministry to understand the Committee's commitment to what their oversight function, with special reference to what the ministry was doing in the overall interest of the country.