The People Democratic Party (PDP) is demanding the swift dismissal of Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, following allegations of misappropriation involving N585 million in palliative funds.
In a statement released on Sunday, Debo Ologunagba, the spokesperson for the PDP, labelled Edu’s continued presence in office amid corruption accusations as “provocative.”
Edu has come under intense public scrutiny after a leaked memo revealed her instructing Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation, to transfer N585 million to a private account. Additionally, the minister approved funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for ministry staff travelling to Kogi, a state without an airport.
In response, Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), stated that she did not carry out any request from Edu, emphasizing that no bulk money should be directed to an individual’s account under the guise of a Project Accountant.
Reacting to the allegations, the main opposition party urged the president to promptly dismiss the minister and hand her over to security agencies for prosecution.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands the immediate sack and prosecution of the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, @edu_betta over the alleged looting of N44 billion National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) fund, including the N585.2 million audaciously diverted by her to a private account.”
“The continuing stay of Betta Edu as Minister is therefore provocative and amounts to stealing from a people and daring them to do their worst. It further confirms our Party’s position that the Tinubu-led APC government is a cesspit of corruption; a haven for thieves and treasury looters.”
“Nigerians were shocked by reports of how Betta Edu and the suspended National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu allegedly engaged in brazen looting of billions of Naira while Nigerians, for whom the funds are meant, are deprived and abandoned to excruciating hardship and misery,” Ologunagba said.
The party described the minister’s actions as “apparent fraudulent” and urged President Tinubu to demonstrate commitment to the fight against corruption by immediately sacking Edu.
Background
In a viral document signed by Edu and directed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, she instructed the disbursement of N585.189 million into one of Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private accounts. The leaked document confirmed the payment into Oniyelu’s account.
In a statement, Edu’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, defended the payment, stating that it followed due process. He explained that Oniyelu serves as the project accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups, justifying the legal use of the funds and the subsequent retirement with receipts and evidence after project completion.
Meanwhile, Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), denies carrying out Edu’s request, reiterating that no bulk money should be made to an individual’s account in the name of a Project Accountant.
January 7, 2024
Press Statement
N44bn Fraud: @OfficialPDPNig Demands Betta Edu’s Sack, Prosecution
…Alleges Involvement of Two Top @OfficialAPCNg LeadersThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands the immediate sack and prosecution of the embattled Minister of Humanitarian… pic.twitter.com/uUwqd2rdVD
— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) January 7, 2024
