Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has taken decisive action by suspending the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, following concerns regarding the use of a private bank account for financial transactions within the government’s social welfare program.
Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale confirmed the immediate suspension, stating that Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency would conduct a comprehensive investigation into all financial activities within the ministry, extending its scrutiny to the broader framework of Nigeria’s social investment programs.
President Tinubu, who assumed office last year, made a commitment to combat endemic corruption and alleviate extreme poverty in Africa’s most populous nation. This suspension underscores his determination to maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s resources.
Edu’s suspension comes in the wake of reports by local media, which highlighted an official memo wherein she directed the transfer of 585 million naira (approximately $661,000) in grants meant for vulnerable groups into a private account. The minister’s office defended this decision, asserting that it adhered to due process. Edu herself has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
In a country grappling with austerity measures that have exacerbated the plight of millions living in extreme poverty, the utilization of a private bank account for the grants program drew severe criticism from the Nigerian public, with many demanding the minister’s dismissal.
The Office of Nigeria’s Accountant General of the Federation issued a statement clarifying that such funds were intended to be disbursed directly from government accounts to the beneficiaries, raising further questions about the minister’s actions.
Simultaneously, Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, appeared before Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, as the commission probes alleged corruption in the disbursement of public funds during her tenure as minister. Umar-Farouq took to social media to announce her appearance at the EFCC office, stating her intention to provide clarification on matters under investigation.
The suspension of Betta Edu underscores President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards within his administration, as he navigates the challenging terrain of corruption and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
