FG investigates Minister Betta Edu for diverting N585m to private account
The presidency has initiated an investigation into the disbursement of a N585.189 million grant earmarked for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. The probe comes amidst calls from various civil society organizations for the removal of Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, who directed the payment.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, “The matter is under investigation,” with an assurance that “appropriate action will be taken thereafter.”
The controversy stems from a leaked document signed by Minister Betta Edu, directing the transfer of the funds into Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private account. In response, Edu’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, defended the payment, asserting that it followed due process. He explained that Oniyelu serves as the project accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups and emphasized the legality of staff members using allocated funds for project-related purposes.
The Executive Director of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) Global Resource Initiative, Buna Olaitan Isiak, urged President Tinubu to establish a panel to probe the matter, emphasizing its significance in setting a precedent for addressing similar cases in the future. Isiak condemned the payment of significant public funds into a private account as a violation of anti-corruption laws, calling for Edu’s accountability.
The national chairman of the Activists for Good Governance, Declan Ihekaire, emphasized the need for the president to query Minister Edu and take appropriate action if wrongdoing is found. He warned against condoning actions that violate laws and constitutional principles.
Tega Oghenedoro, the Executive Director of Investigation, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), labeled Edu’s actions as a “face of youthful mis-governance” and urged President Tinubu to sack her, handing her over to anti-graft agencies. He cited the statement from the Accountant-General of the Federation, which criticized Edu’s actions, as grounds for her removal and subsequent investigation by the EFCC.
National Coordinator of the Good Governance Team, Tunde Salman, called on anti-corruption agencies to take prompt action without waiting for presidential directives, emphasizing that Edu, as a minister, has no ministerial immunity.
The ongoing investigation into this controversial palliative payment raises questions about transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process within government ministries.
Source: [The Nation]
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