The Coalition for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to publicly disclose the results of their investigations into Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Edu was suspended after allegations surfaced that a ₦585 million federal grant intended for vulnerable groups was diverted into private accounts.
A document signed by her directed the transfer of ₦585.189 million to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, raising serious concerns about the disbursement intended for vulnerable groups across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states.
President Bola Tinubu called for a comprehensive investigation into the financial dealings of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, urging the EFCC to examine all related transactions thoroughly.
He emphasized the need for Dr. Edu’s cooperation in the investigation and highlighted the importance of reforming institutions managing National Social Investment Programs to restore public trust.
In a statement from CACOL’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, on behalf of Chairman Debo Adeniran, the organization expressed concerns that the case might be ignored due to Edu’s strong ties to the ruling party.
CACOL called for transparency from the anti-corruption agencies regarding the status of their inquiry into Edu’s actions.
The statement raised further questions about her recent condolences sent to victims of the Jos building collapse, questioning whether she was returning to her ministerial duties despite being under investigation.
The organization insisted that while Edu has the right to express condolences, doing so on official ministry letterhead was inappropriate given her current standing.
They stressed the need for the EFCC and ICPC to clarify the outcome of the investigation, fearing the case may be overlooked due to Edu’s political affiliations.
The statement partly read, “It was recently reported by some sections of the media that Edu sent condolences to the victims of the recent Jos building collapse in a message carrying the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s letterhead.
“What is she insinuating with her action? Is she back to her desk as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation? If she is back, don’t we have the right to know? In as much as she has every right to condole with the families of those that lost their lives in the tragic incident, she ought to have done it in her personal capacity without involving the ministry since she is no more at the helms of affair’s.
“We at CACOL, therefore, call on the EFCC and ICPC to tell Nigerians the outcome of their investigations into her case. Already, most people are of the notion that the case will be swept under the carpet especially as she is a very strong and prominent member of the ruling party.”
