Latest Update on Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Controversy
As the controversy surrounding the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation unfolds, Naija News provides the most recent developments involving the suspended Minister, Betta Edu, her predecessor Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and other individuals associated with the scandal.
Presidency’s Firm Stance on Investigation: The Presidency has unequivocally stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, particularly in the ongoing investigation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and its Social Investment Programmes. Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, emphasized this commitment during an appearance on TVC’s “Politics on Sunday.” Ngelale assured that there are no ‘sacred cows,’ and actions will be taken against anyone found culpable in the investigation.
President Tinubu suspended Minister Betta Edu on January 7 and directed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial transactions of the ministry.
Ohanaeze Youths Advocate Fair Hearing: The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called for a fair hearing for the suspended Minister, Betta Edu. They emphasized that Edu should not be subjected to a media trial. The association’s leader, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, stressed during a press conference that Edu deserves a fair and unbiased assessment of the allegations against her.
Claim of Expectations Regarding Betta Edu’s Probe: Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, asserted that some individuals believed that the close relationship between the suspended Minister, Betta Edu, and President Bola Tinubu would shield her from a thorough investigation. Yakubu clarified that Tinubu had set job targets and performance guidelines for ministers, and Edu’s suspension aimed to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into allegations of financial impropriety. He noted that Edu, along with the national coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, were initially thought to be untouchable due to their proximity to Tinubu.
