By Sabiu Abdullahi
President Bola Tinubu has suspended Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in response to an ongoing investigation into allegations of financial irregularities.
Previously announced by the Presidency, the investigation revolves around the transfer of N585.189 million by Minister Edu.
Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, assured the public that appropriate action would be taken pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
The controversy unfolded as reports surfaced indicating that funds designated for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states were diverted into a private account.
This revelation sparked widespread public outrage and fueled demands for Edu’s dismissal and subsequent prosecution.
A leaked document bearing Edu’s signature detailed the direct disbursement of N585.189 million into the private account of Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu.
The veracity of this leaked document confirmed that the funds indeed found their way into Oniyelu’s account.
Addressing the escalating situation, Edu, through her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, stood firm, asserting that the payment strictly adhered to due process.
The suspension adds a new layer to the unfolding saga, raising further questions about the financial transactions under scrutiny.