Edu Betta

By Sani Bello Hamza

The popular Hausa adage “kyaun Ɗa ya gaji ubansa” is what prompt me to start this column. Humble Thought’s Foundation was laid by my father more than two decades ago on the now defunct Pointer Express; a weekly Newspaper wherein he dissect public issues ranging from politics, education, skills/entrepreneurship and other contemporary issues. I decided to pick the baton and continue with the pace to contribute my own quota to the development of our community and country at large. I believe with my consistency spiced up with your unwavering support and prayers, we will have an easy ride and convey my message with ease and touch the lives of many–as he did. You can always reach out to me through my email or phone number set out hereunder. I’m looking forward to hear from you and read your constructive Criticisms. Enjoy and be safe!

CORRUPTION: BETTA EDU AND THE REST OF US

In mid 2019, Boko Haram insurgency, banditry and kidnapping were on the rise. Families were displaced, schools were closed and businesses were shutdown. As a result, President Buhari through an executive order announced the creation of a new ministry and mandated it to develop humanitarian policies and provide effective coordination of national and international humanitarian interventions; ensure strategic disaster mitigation; preparedness and response; and manage the formulation and implementation of fair focused social inclusion and protection programs in Nigeria. The former president appointed Sadiya Umar Farouq as the first minister of the newly born ministry.

The ministry got a warm welcome from Nigerians as they were “assured” by the former president that the ministry will work tirelessly to mitigate disaster and provide succur to Nigerians affected by Natural or man-made disaster. The first minister Sadiya Umar Farouq also swore to discharge her duties in line with the extant rules and provisions of the Constitution–without prejudice.

Few months after the creation of the new ministry COVID-19 Pandemic surge in and became the major problem of Nigeria and the world. Donations began to pour in from governmental and non governmental organizations to aid in mitigating the spread of the virus as well as cater for the affected victims. However, there were series of allegations and mummurring regarding the financial management of the ministry. There were also unrealistic calculations and assertion by for the minister. For example;

The minister said she mandated the disbursement of COVID 19 palliatives across all the states of the federation. Few months later, the palliatives were found stacked in various states warehouses–untouched and undisbursed. This led to a serious chaos; youths all over the country were seen breaking the warehouses to take their shares from the palliative to cater for themselves and their families.

Again, the former minister also claimed to have spent more than 500 million naira to feed the “non-existent children” in their homes in Abuja and Lagos when schools were locked down in 2020.

The NPOWER scheme also loosed its significance under the minister as beneficiaries were owed for several months without payment.

In spite of the above and other allegations, Former president Buhari form a deaf ear and shun all the allegations without launching an investigative panel to look into the matter.

Ironically, Mrs. Farouq spent four years in office and vacated after President Buhari’s tenure, and today, she’s under intense investigation for alleged laundering of more than 37 billion Naira when she was in office. The former minister is under EFCC’s watch and mandated to report daily to the office.

Are we done with the Humanitarian ministry? No!

As expected, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Mrs. Betta Edu to steer and rescue the already sinking humanitarian ministry. Betta was expected to perform Better than her predecessor and deliver the missions and visions of the Renewed hope agenda. Betta Edu is among the closest allies to the president; a dedicated party member and a hardworking women leader of the party. She supported the president, campaigned for him and mobilised support him. Yet, the president suspended her to give room for investigation and serve as a deterance to other political appointees who think they are immune and untouchable.

President Tinubu’s no-nonsense and zero tolerance approach is where his administration differs from his predecessor–Buhari.

Among the allegations that led to her suspension was a purpoted memo mandating the Accountant general of the federation to transfer 585 million naira to one account Bridget Onyelu.The memo was full of unrealistic calculations including flight tickets to Kogi State–which is not known to have an airport.

Few days to Edu’s suspension, Mrs. Halima Shehu–the DG NSIPA was sacked for alleged transfer 40billion to a personal account. Mrs. Shehu claimed she mistakingly transferred the money to the personal. In another report, she claimed she transferred the money to stop Mrs. Edu from accessing the funds.

The combined efforts of Sadiya, Halima and Betta are really disheartening and disappointing. It is pathetic seeing “women”– who are suppose to be role models and family builders engaging in such disgusting and inhumane acts. I am certain the president will (as he has always ) make sure whoever is found guilty face the wrath of the law.

We can’t continue like this!

Sani Bello Hamza is a Law student at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, he writes from Zaria and can be reached through his email; sanibellohamza@gmail.com or 09013506168

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

It’s a new down in the history of the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who took over barely six months from May 29, 2023, till date. However, his administration has been awash with many debacles, ranging from bruises in the economic turbulence and pervasive insecurity to dividing citizens along religious and cultural differences. However, the latest is the alleged misappropriation of N585 million in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by the former National Woman Leader of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

It is in the public domain that the ministry and the NSIP have been mired in a controversy as the President recently suspended Halima Shehu as National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency over an alleged financial misappropriation to the tune of N44 billion.

However, concerned Nigerians with an ear to the ground alleged a rivalry between the former minister’s camp and the suspended minister’s camp, who vows that “I won’t go alone; you exposed me; I will expose your conspiracy too”. However, in my perspective, if that’s the case, then it’s, after all, a welcome development for the general populace and for the system to be, of course, cleaned up.

In light of the recent events, the President’s and his administration’s integrity have been tested to see what action or inaction the President would take to send a strong message to his cabinet members and all other appointees that it is not business as usual. Would his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of the Commonwealth of Nigerians be protected?

On the other hand, would every appointee be treated equally, no matter how close that person is to the corridors of power? Of course, the President, who has the mandate of all Nigerians, has not yet disappointed the general populace by suspending those involved in the allegations and ordering a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions of the ministry.

The President’s directives have raised hope in Nigerians that it won’t be business as usual, where looters’ cases are swept under the rug. We can boldly say that the last administration’s anti-corruption campaign was ineffective. For instance, in the case of the suspended CBN governor, whose committee was constituted by the former President, its findings fell on deaf ears as if nothing had happened; however, revelations afterwards shocked everyone interested in the well-being of the country’s socio-economic development.

If you look at governance in general, we need to change our approach. The simple fact is that corruption has stagnated the well-being and progress of this country. I feel the only viable way to address these corruption issues is to have a revolutionary transformation of society and improve the context of governance within the framework in which our governance system is predicated. We have to call a spade by its name. Until communities stop celebrating looters and negate the notion that our tribesmen or kinsmen are being witch-hunted, then we wholeheartedly support the government in its bid to eradicate corruption in the system, to which, of course, we will be the major beneficiaries.

Nigerians have a keen interest in every decision the President takes or intends to make regarding the overall interest of the lives of the general population. Certainly, the success of the fight against corruption is intricately tied to the actions of the key actors, not solely reliant on the outpouring of condemnation. The public is the major stockholder in holding the government accountable.

Suppose Tinubu turns over a new leaf in his efforts to stamp out corruption. In that case, Nigerians will stand tall to support his action and term him a foremost man fighting the menace confronting humanity, which retards Nigeria’s development. Despite his stand on the issue, Nigerians must never relent until the fight goes off to a spectacular success.

Honestly, anything short of that can’t be tolerated or accepted, even though it’s early in the day of the new government; there is no excuse. Since they swore to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians, turn our misfortune into fortune, transform our dilapidated infrastructure, and revive our economy, we can put them on the radar to see how they disengage us from all logjam.

I invite all Nigerians to join the challenge of fighting corruption in all its ramifications. After all, the war against corruption can only be decisively won if we all come on board to shun away and expose all corruption within our worldview. I commend his efforts in the recent events, and it’s indeed a patriotic call to support his move for the benefit and betterment of our country.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar Kaji Azare, Bauchi State.