BREAKING: Tinubu suspends Betta Edu over N585M scandal, orders EFCC to begin probe

President Bola Tinubu immediately suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, from office.

This followed the decision to investigate the alleged corruption issues that have emerged in her ministry, which have littered the media space in the last few days.

A statement announcing her suspension issued on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President Media & Publicity) said the action is in line with President Tinubu’s avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians.

The President further directed the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and one or more agencies thereunder.

The suspended minister was directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she was further directed to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.

“Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes to conclusively reform the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative,” the statement said.

It added that these directives from the President take immediate effect.

Recall that Tinubu had on Sunday directed a thorough investigation to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the allegation against the minister.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had in a statement, said Tinubu is committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated and utilized effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians.

He said the government is determined to unravel the truth as it relates to this matter, and assures that appropriate action will be taken to ensure that any breaches and infractions are identified and decisively punished, in line with the administration’s commitment to public accountability and due process.