In a recent turn of events, Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, faced a significant setback as she was denied access to President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja.
The denial, captured in a video by TVC News, marked a dramatic development in the unfolding saga surrounding Edu’s suspension.
Earlier on the same day, President Tinubu took decisive action by approving the immediate suspension of Minister Betta Edu. The announcement came through a statement from Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, emphasizing the President’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing the nation’s resources.
The statement read: “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.”
Furthermore, President Tinubu directed the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to initiate a thorough investigation into all financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as associated agencies.
The suspended Minister was instructed to hand over her duties to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. President Tinubu emphasized the need for full cooperation with investigating authorities during the inquiry.
In a bid to address broader concerns and enhance the credibility of social investment programs, President Tinubu appointed a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance. The panel’s mandate includes conducting a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of social investment programs. The overarching goal is to reform relevant institutions and programs to eliminate institutional frailties and restore public confidence in initiatives designed to benefit disadvantaged households.
These directives from President Tinubu take immediate effect, signifying a pivotal moment in the administration’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
