Politics
Tinubu Takes Action: Launches Investigation Into N2tn Poverty Relief Funds, Edu Set To Face EFCC Inquiry Today
Tinubu Takes Action: Launches Investigation Into N2tn Poverty Relief Funds, Edu Set To Face EFCC Inquiry Today....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to initiate a thorough investigation into the financial affairs of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This directive came through a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, who also announced the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, in connection with a N585 million scandal within the ministry…….CONTINUE READING
The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu suspends Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation from office,’ highlighted Edu’s suspension amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged N37.1 billion money laundering during her predecessor Sadiya Umar-Farouq’s tenure. Umar-Farouq was reportedly questioned for about 12 hours by EFCC detectives regarding the funds allegedly laundered through a contractor, James Okwete.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, formerly known as Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, had a budget of N2.38 trillion from 2020 to 2024, according to data from the Budget Office.
In line with the presidential directive, the EFCC has summoned Edu to appear before its detectives on Tuesday. President Tinubu has instructed EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all financial transactions involving the ministry and its associated agencies.
Furthermore, a panel led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has been tasked with conducting a detailed assessment of the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs. The objective is to reform relevant institutions and programs to eliminate institutional weaknesses, ensuring the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and restoring public confidence in the initiative.
Edu’s suspension was prompted by revelations from a leaked memo, indicating that she instructed the transfer of N585 million to a private account allegedly belonging to the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups, Oniyelu Bridget. Edu defended the payment, claiming it was meant for vulnerable groups in specific states and asserting the legality of such transactions within the civil service.
Various groups and individuals, including the Peoples Democratic Party, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Femi Falana, SAN, and civil society groups, had called for Edu’s suspension and a thorough investigation.
To comply with the suspension, Edu is directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and fully cooperate with investigating authorities. The President’s directives are effective immediately, and the EFCC is set to question Edu on Tuesday.
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