In adherence to his unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of Nigeria’s resources, President Bola Tinubu has taken the decisive step to suspend Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, from her duties with immediate effect.

In an official communication relayed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, he said the suspension was accompanied by a directive from the President to the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to initiate a comprehensive investigation into all financial transactions associated with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, including any pertinent agencies falling under its purview.

Dr. Betta Edu is instructed to promptly hand over her responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Furthermore, President Tinubu has emphasized her obligation to fully cooperate with the investigative authorities as they carry out their inquiries.

In addition to these measures, a panel, chaired by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, has been established by the President.

This panel is tasked with conducting an extensive diagnostic examination of the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs.

The objective is to implement comprehensive reforms to address any institutional weaknesses, ensuring the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and regaining public confidence in the initiative.

All directives issued by the President are effective immediately.

Trouble started for Edu when a leaked memo dated December 20, 2023, to the Accountant General of the Federation requesting the disbursement of N585 million meant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states to a personal account of one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu, surfaced online. 

The Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatosin Madein, faulted Edu’s payment of N585 million into a personal account.

In a statement on Saturday, Madein said her office did not honour the payment request by Edu.

She noted that the Minister’s actions were against financial regulations.

The presidency has proceeded to open an investigation into the transfer.

The revelation came on the heels of a much broader investigation into allegations of N3bn fraud in the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA.

The Minister had gone on to deny alleged involvement in N3 billion corruption scandal, and in a statement had asserted that at no time did she request any funds, let alone N3 billion, since her assumption as minister from NSIPA. The statement described the allegations as "Baseless Accusations Aimed at Diverting Anti-Graft Agency’s Focus.”

According to the minister, the accusations were orchestrated by fifth columnists with the sole intent of tarnishing her well-earned reputation and integrity amid the ongoing investigation of the NSIPA scandal by the EFCC.