Tinubu Suspends Betta Edu Over N585m Scandal

President Bola Tinubu Takes Action

President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, due to a scandal involving N585 million. This decision comes after widespread anger over the alleged scandal.

Commitment to Integrity and Accountability

In a statement released by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, it was stated that President Tinubu suspended Dr. Betta Edu from office immediately. This action is in line with the President’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing the country’s resources.

An Inquiry into the Scandal

President Tinubu had directed a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged N585 million scandal in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. He has also promised to take decisive action against those involved in any breaches and infractions uncovered during the investigations.

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Calls for Unfettered Probe

Various groups and individuals, including the Peoples Democratic Party, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Femi Falana, SAN, the Yoruba Youth Assembly, and other civil society groups, have demanded a thorough investigation into the leaked memo by Minister Betta Edu. The memo instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million into the private bank account of a project accountant in her ministry, Bridget Oniyelu.

Minister’s Defense

Minister Betta Edu defended herself, asserting that the N585 million payment aimed to benefit vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. She has described the allegations against her as baseless.