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 disclose the findings of their investigation into Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Edu was suspended following allegations that a ₦585 million federal grant meant for vulnerable groups was diverted into private accounts.
A directive signed by Edu instructed the transfer of ₦585.189 million to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, raising significant concerns about the proper disbursement of funds intended for vulnerable groups across 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, emphasizing the importance of Dr. Edu’s cooperation. He stressed the need to reform the institutions managing National Social Investment Programs to restore public trust.
In a statement issued by CACOL’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, on behalf of Chairman Debo Adeniran, the organization expressed concerns that the case might be disregarded due to Edu’s strong connections with the ruling party. CACOL demanded transparency from the anti-corruption agencies about the status of their investigation into Edu’s conduct.
The statement also questioned Edu’s recent condolence message to victims of the Jos building collapse, noting that it was sent on official ministry letterhead despite her suspension. CACOL argued that while Edu has the right to express condolences, it was inappropriate to do so in an official capacity given her suspension.
CACOL emphasized the need for the EFCC and ICPC to clarify the investigation’s outcome, fearing that Edu’s political affiliations might lead to the case being overlooked.
“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,” the statement read.
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