The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is urging the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to resign promptly, allowing herself to be subjected to investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
HURIWA made this plea in light of the ongoing N44.8 Billion Fraud investigation involving NSIPA, where public funds were purportedly deposited into a private individual’s bank account, leading to the demand for Edu’s resignation.
The group emphasized the significance of the public sector financial regulations of 2009, which expressly forbids the transfer of public funds to a private individual’s account.
HURIWA pointed out the inconsistency in the government’s stance, suggesting that it would be a double standard for the president to suspend a representative over allegations of diverting public funds while the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs seeks justification for directing public funds into a private account.
It called on the President and the EFCC to adhere to global best practices in enforcing anti-graft laws, emphasizing that the law should apply equally to all, regardless of their political affiliations.
HURIWA clarified that it is not accusing the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs of any wrongdoing but expressed concern over statements issued by her office attempting to justify keeping public funds in a private account. It likened this to the polemic promoted by a former civilian governor of Kano State in the second Republic.
The organization questioned the logic behind the Minister’s argument that civil service rules permit keeping public funds in private accounts when the financial regulations Act governing public service in Nigeria states the opposite.
In response to allegations, Minister Betta Edu raised concerns about “disgruntled elements” attempting to tarnish her reputation in connection with the ongoing N44.8 Billion Fraud investigation in NSIPA. Edu clarified that the approved sum of N585,198,500.00 was allocated for grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, as part of the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups, a federal government social intervention scheme.
Edu’s Special Assistant on Media, Rasheed Zubair, quoted her dismissing the allegations, stating that sponsored elements were attempting to damage her reputation in light of the ongoing probe.
