BREAKING: Tinubu suspends Humanitarian affairs minister Beta Edu, directs EFCC to probe alleged fraud
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, following a series of allegations of misconduct against her.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Ajuri Ngalale, the President’s Spokesperson, Edu’s suspension would take immediate effect.
The President also directed the 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, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.
Westernpost had reported on Sunday that President Tinubu had directed an investigation of alleged fraud and diversion of public funds under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The President Tinubu-led- administration said it upholds transparency and accountability to the people, and is committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated and utilized effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians.
Read full statement below:
In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.
The President further directs 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, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.
The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President 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 with a view to conclusively reforming 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.
These directives of the President take immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 8, 2024
