By Ken Afor
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been applauded for his decisive action in suspending Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
This move comes in response to allegations of a staggering N585 million fraud within her ministry.
TheNewDiplomat had earlier reported that Edu was suspended following her alleged involvement with financial misconduct related to authorizing payments totaling approximately N585 million into personal bank accounts.
Edu was instructed to hand over to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and cooperate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) mandated by President Bola Tinubu to promptly investigate the operations of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The events that transpired over the past few days, along with the measures implemented by the President, prompted positive responses from various politicians.
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, (PGF) and Imo State Governor Uzodimma, said Edu’s suspension by the president cannot be questioned.
Uzodimma while addressing State House reporters after visiting the President on Monday said the President’s action is in line with the constitution and the oath he swore to.
His words: “This is very clear. Whether as chair of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, or whether as governor of Imo State, we have only one president whose wisdom we cannot question. And what is more, if there are allegations and the President said I want to look into it, I think it’s consistent with the law and the oath of office he swore to.
“So, I don’t think it is something that we will begin to create a menu now for the media. So, let’s allow the sleeping dog to lie.”
Also, Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South District, praisedTinubu for suspending Edu over alleged diversion of funds.
The senator, presently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, urged the President to promptly address the actions of what he termed an ’emerging political cartel,’ cautioning that it could pose a greater threat than a mere cabal.
He said: “What President Tinubu has done is very timely. The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs is a welcome development. It will allow the relevant agencies to conduct a proper investigation.
”Some people in the same position Tinubu is today would not have acted. But, as a leader who is in charge, he acted swiftly and the minister has been suspended. We should commend the President. This is something Nigerians should commend.
“But the President should not stop there. There is an emerging political cartel within the corridors of power. The President must act swiftly and dismantle the cartel.
“If they’re not stopped, they’ll be stronger and worse than a cabal. The President must not allow that to happen. I don’t think what the Minister did was an isolated case. I don’t think she acted alone.
“The President needs to look deep and flush out those involved in mismanaging the funds meant for humanitarian assistance. We are hopeful that the President will take more decisive actions in the future.”
In the same vein, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), a northern organization, hailed President Tinubu for the suspension and called on the EFCC to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
According to the President General, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the AYCF stated in a press release that the suspension has unequivocally demonstrated the trajectory of the current government.
It read: “The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is an indication that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has zero tolerance for any form of corruption.
“He has equally demonstrated capacity to run an administration that will not give room for anything that is capable of tarnishing his administration and this should be a signal to other Ministers to take redress.
“We as a youth body hereby reiterate our support to the Tinubu administration and urge him to throw more search light on other members of his cabinet to ensure that they do not engage in any activities that will undermine his administration.
“With the present development, our eyes will be on all the serving ministers, with the view to exposing any of them with corrupt tendencies.”
