In a startling turn of events, President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by suspending the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu. The suspension was promptly enforced as evidenced by a video from TVC News, which captured the minister’s vehicle being denied entrance to the presidential villa in Abuja.
Earlier in the day, the suspension was announced through a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. The statement outlined President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the nation’s resources. The President has directed the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as its affiliated agencies.
As part of the directive, the suspended Minister, Dr. Betta Edu, is instructed to hand over responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Moreover, she is urged to fully cooperate with investigating authorities during the inquiry.
President Tinubu has also established a panel, led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs. The overarching goal is to reform relevant institutions and programs to eliminate institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and restore public confidence in the initiative.
These directives, as per the President’s statement, take immediate effect, signifying a significant development in the administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency. The unfolding situation raises questions and anticipation about the outcomes of the investigation and the potential reforms in the social investment programs.
