IN a bold move reflecting the administration’s commitment to transparency, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has suspended Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, with immediate effect. The suspension comes less than six months after Edu’s appointment and amid a directive for a thorough investigation into financial transactions within her ministry.
Betta Edu came under heavy criticism after a leaked memo on December 20 revealed that she directed the accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million (about $661,000) to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, confirmed on Monday that the president has instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all financial aspects tied to Edu’s ministry.
‘The President directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder,’ Ngelale said in a statement.
‘The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.
‘Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative,’ the statement reads.
Efforts to reach Edu for comment on the matter were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Nigeria, known as Africa’s largest economy and a key energy producer, has long grappled with systemic corruption among high-ranking public officials and the political elite. This pervasive issue has been widely attributed to the country’s persistent poverty levels, which continue to impact its citizens.
President Tinubu, who secured victory in a contested election, pledged to revitalise the nation’s economy and combat corruption. As part of this commitment, Tinubu has tasked a panel, headed by Finance Minister Wale Edun, to review the structure of social protection programmes aimed at assisting impoverished households. This move is seen as an effort to regain public trust amid the ongoing investigations and reforms.
The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs signifies a significant step in the government’s stance against corruption and its determination to ensure accountability within public offices. The unfolding probe highlights Nigeria’s dedication to addressing longstanding challenges in its governance and economic sectors.