Nigerian poverty minister suspended over alleged diversion of public funds

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, following allegations of diverting over 585 million naira ($640,000; £500,000) of public funds into a personal bank account. The suspension comes in response to public outrage over the scandal.

A statement from President Tinubu’s office confirmed the suspension and announced an investigation into Dr. Edu’s ministry. The minister has denied any wrongdoing.

According to her office, Dr. Edu approved the transfer of funds into a personal account, albeit not in her name, for the purpose of implementing grants to vulnerable groups. She is considered a close ally of the president and, at 37 years old, is the youngest minister in his cabinet.

Ministerial suspensions are rare in Nigeria, and Dr. Edu is the first to lose their job since President Tinubu assumed office in May of the previous year. During his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, only two ministers were sacked.

Reports emerged last week, citing leaked documents allegedly showing Dr. Edu instructing a senior treasury official to transfer the money to the personal account of Bridget Oniyelu, the accountant for the government’s Grants for Vulnerable Groups initiative. The revelation that the funds were directed to a personal account instead of a government one sparked public outrage.

President Tinubu called for a thorough investigation into the transfer, urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to examine all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

He also requested Dr. Edu’s cooperation with the investigation. Additionally, he emphasized the need to reform government institutions responsible for National Social Investments Programmes (NSIP), including initiatives like the Grant for Vulnerable Groups, in order to regain public trust.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh