President Tinubu suspends Humanitarian minister amidst financial scandal, launches investigations
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, the country’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
In a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Tinubu cited a commitment to “the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability” as the basis for the decision.
Ngelale also conveyed the President’s directive for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the financial transactions of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and its associated agencies.
The suspended Minister is instructed to cooperate fully with the investigating authorities and hand over responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary.
The President also established a panel, led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, to conduct a thorough assessment of the financial structure of social investment programs.
The aim is to “reform institutions and programs, addressing weaknesses and restoring public confidence.”
What happened
The minister has recently faced severe backlash from the public following the revelation of a leaked memo directing Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation, to transfer N585 million to a private account.
She also granted funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for ministry staff traveling to Kogi, a state without an airport.
In response, the minister, through her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, claimed on Friday that the payment adhered to due process.
Zubair clarified that the money was transferred to Oniyelu’s account as she currently serves as the project accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups, emphasizing the legality of such transactions in the civil service.
Contrastingly, Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), refuted complying with Betta Edu’s request, stating that no substantial amount “is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant.”
Corruption allegations provocative: Opposition party
Reacting to the allegation, the main opposition party urged the president to promptly dismiss the minister and deliver her to security agencies for prosecution.
In a statement released on Sunday, Debo Ologunagba, spokesperson for the PDP, described the minister’s remaining in office amid corruption allegations as “provocative.”
Information minister says allegation under investigation
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Sunday said that the Federal Government is aware of the circulating narratives and emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
According to the statement, the President has directed a thorough inquiry to verify the accuracy and validity of the reported details, reaffirming the government’s dedication to unraveling the truth.
