By Geraldine Onyenweaku.
Under mounting pressure from Nigerians and rights activists, President Bola Tinubu has yielded to calls for the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, amidst a disbursement scandal within her ministry and related agencies.
In an official statement on Monday, presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale confirmed that Tinubu instructed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the financial transactions involving the ministry and its associated agencies.
The controversy revolves around Edu’s alleged approval of N585,198,500.00 to be disbursed into a personal account. A letter purportedly signed by the humanitarian minister instructed the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer the sum to the account of one Oniyelu Bridget for grants to vulnerable groups in four states. Edu vehemently denied involvement, stating that her office received the request but did not act on it. She claimed there were plans to discredit her and tarnish her image with false accusations.
The EFCC is currently investigating Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, for alleged money laundering during her tenure.
The calls for Edu’s resignation have been persistent, with human rights activist Femi Falana describing the situation as an “extremely embarrassing drama.” The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) also urged the government and anti-graft agencies to identify Edu’s alleged accomplices.
In response to the public outcry, Edu has been suspended, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has taken over. Edu’s suspension is effective immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations.