The Coalition for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to publicly release the findings of their investigations into Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Edu’s suspension followed allegations of diverting a ₦585 million federal grant meant for vulnerable groups into private accounts.
A directive signed by Edu authorized the transfer of ₦585.189 million to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, raising serious concerns about the proper use of funds intended for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states.
President Bola Tinubu has called for a thorough investigation into the financial activities of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, urging the EFCC to scrutinize all related transactions. He emphasized the need for Dr. Edu’s full cooperation in the investigation and highlighted the necessity of reforming institutions managing National Social Investment Programs to restore public trust.
In a statement by CACOL’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, on behalf of Chairman Debo Adeniran, the organization expressed concerns that Edu’s case might be ignored due to her strong ties to the ruling party. CACOL stressed the importance of transparency from the anti-corruption agencies regarding the status of their inquiry into Edu’s actions.
The statement also questioned Edu’s recent condolences sent to victims of the Jos building collapse, suggesting that she might be resuming her ministerial duties despite being under investigation. CACOL argued that while Edu has the right to express condolences, doing so on official ministry letterhead was inappropriate given her suspension.
The organization underscored the necessity for the EFCC and ICPC to clarify the outcome of their investigation, fearing the case may be overlooked due to Edu’s political connections.
The statement partly read, “It was recently reported by some sections of the media that Edu sent condolences to the victims of the recent Jos building collapse in a message carrying the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s letterhead. What is she insinuating with her action? Is she back to her desk as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation? If she is back, don’t we have the right to know? In as much as she has every right to condole with the families of those that lost their lives in the tragic incident, she ought to have done it in her personal capacity without involving the ministry since she is no more at the helm of affairs.
“We at CACOL, therefore, call on the EFCC and ICPC to tell Nigerians the outcome of their investigations into her case. Already, most people are of the notion that the case will be swept under the carpet especially as she is a very strong and prominent member of the ruling party.”
