President Bola Tinubu has taken immediate action by suspending Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, amid an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities. The inquiry focuses on the transfer of N585.189 million into a private account by the minister, prompting the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, to assure that appropriate measures will be implemented following the investigation.
The reported diversion of approximately N585.189 million, intended for vulnerable individuals in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, into a private account has raised concerns. In a documented directive signed by Edu and addressed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the minister instructed the disbursement of these funds into the private account of Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu.
Onanuga states that President Tinubu’s decision to suspend Edu aligns with his unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing Nigeria’s resources. The President has gone further to instruct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, along with any associated agencies.
The suspended minister has been directed to hand over her responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Furthermore, she is urged by the President to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. To address broader concerns, a panel, led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, has been appointed. The panel’s mandate includes conducting a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial structure of social investment programs. The ultimate goal is to conclusively reform relevant institutions and programs, aiming to eliminate institutional weaknesses and restore public confidence in these initiatives.
These directives from the President are to be implemented immediately.