In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has announced the immediate suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, from office. The suspension follows the controversy surrounding Edu’s alleged involvement in the approval of N585,198,500.00 for disbursement into a personal account.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed the announcement in a statement on Monday afternoon. The controversy centered on a letter, purportedly signed by the humanitarian minister, instructing the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer the specified sum to the account of one Oniyelu Bridget as grants for vulnerable groups in four states.
While Madein confirmed receiving a payment request from the humanitarian ministry, she clarified that her office did not act on it. Edu, the youngest member of the President’s cabinet prior to her suspension, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, attributing the allegations to a plot to tarnish her image.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is already probing Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, over alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure. Calls for Edu’s suspension grew louder, prompting the President to order a thorough investigation into the ministry.
President Tinubu, succumbing to public pressure, suspended Edu and directed the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The suspended minister is instructed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary and fully cooperate with the investigating authorities.
Additionally, a panel led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs. The goal is to reform relevant institutions and programs, eliminating institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and restoring lost public confidence in the initiative.
