President Bola Tinubu immediately suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, from office.
This followed the decision to investigate the alleged corruption issues that have emerged in her ministry, which have littered the media space in the last few days.
A statement announcing her suspension issued on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President Media & Publicity) said the action is in line with President Tinubu’s avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians.
The President further directed 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 and one or more agencies thereunder.
The suspended minister was directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she was further directed 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 to conclusively reform 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 said.
It added that these directives from the President take immediate effect.
Recall that Tinubu had on Sunday directed a thorough investigation to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the allegation against the minister.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had in a statement, said Tinubu is committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated and utilized effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians.
He said the government is determined to unravel the truth as it relates to this matter, and assures that appropriate action will be taken to ensure that any breaches and infractions are identified and decisively punished, in line with the administration’s commitment to public accountability and due process.
According to the statement, “in the light of recent events, the president has directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details.
“The government is determined to unravel the truth as it relates to this matter, and assures that appropriate action will be taken to ensure that any breaches and infractions are identified and decisively punished, in line with the administration’s commitment to public accountability and due process.
“The public is advised to note, against the backdrop of various unverified narratives circulating on the internet, that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, under the leadership of Minister Mohammed Idris, is the primary source for verified information about events and actions of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Only accurate details will be shared with the public. The ministry is committed to providing timely updates to keep Nigerians informed about the progress of the investigation.
“We urge Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation unfolds. The government is focused on ensuring a fair and unbiased process, and the findings will be communicated duly and transparently to the public.”
Dr Edu, was alleged to have requested the Accountant-General of the Federation, Olwatoyin Madein to transfer N585.2 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, said to be a Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Group.
But reacting on her social media handle, Edu described the allegation as baseless and “an attempt to undermine the efforts we are making to fight corruption and uplift those in need. It is an attempt by mischief makers to undermine my ministry’s efforts in fighting corruption.”
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