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Documents indicate adherence to due process by Betta Edu amid alleged N585m fraud – Lawyer
Amidst the controversies surrounding the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, a legal practitioner, Barrister Jim Ekpeyong, has revealed that documents show her meticulous adherence to due process in the alleged financial irregularities.
Ekpeyong highlighted that the senior ministry official, Halima Shehu, responsible for the process, has distanced herself strategically from the controversy.
The documents reportedly demonstrate that Edu’s involvement in a fund transaction request, approved and executed into Assistant Director Mrs. Bridget’s account, aligns with established financial regulations applicable to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Emphasizing that the minister’s actions follow established procedures, Ekpeyong stressed Mrs. Bridget’s role in managing funds disbursement and retirements under specified regulations.
The funds in question were intended for beneficiaries under Mrs. Bridget’s supervision through a payment system. Notably, Mrs. Bridget, an Assistant Director in the ministry, is stated to be unrelated to Dr. Betta. A source from the ministry defended Mrs. Bridget, asserting that the payment request process was well-established, and there was no illegality involved. The source also questioned the call for Dr. Betta Edu’s resignation and dismissed accusations of fraudulent intentions.
According to Ekpeyong, the controversy might be a deliberate ploy to tarnish the government’s image. He contended that no money is missing, and the program’s transactions were successful.
READ ALSO: Betta Edu loses access to funds as EFCC freezes all her personal accounts
The source from the ministry emphasized Dr. Betta Edu’s dedication in serving and achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s poverty-alleviation plans, portraying her commitment and determination in pursuing government goals despite challenges.
Ekpeyong urged President Tinubu to scrutinize the activities of old brigade politicians working against the new breed appointees in his administration.
He concluded by stating, “Edu is just a young woman willing to serve, break records in this government, and achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plans to pull millions of Nigeria out of poverty, which many are scared of her courage and hardworking spirit.”
The unfolding developments prompt calls for thorough investigations to ascertain the veracity of these claims.
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