Nigeria’s president has immediately suspended Betta Edu, the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, for utilizing a private bank account in the government’s social welfare program.
The decision stems from an ongoing investigation by the anti-corruption agency into all financial transactions within the ministry and the broader framework of Nigeria’s social investment programs.
President Bola Tinubu, elected on a platform of combating corruption and extreme poverty, emphasizes the suspension as a commitment to upholding integrity and transparency in managing Nigeria’s resources.
Edu’s suspension follows recent revelations that she directed 585 million naira ($661,000) worth of grants, intended for vulnerable groups, to be deposited into a private account. Despite the minister’s claim that this decision adhered to due process, the use of a private bank account for the grants program has faced widespread criticism in a country already grappling with austerity measures and high poverty rates. Calls for Edu’s dismissal have intensified.
The Office of Nigeria’s Accountant General of the Federation asserted that such funds should be directly transferred from government accounts to beneficiaries, adding weight to the concerns raised by critics. Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, also faced scrutiny, reporting to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for clarification on issues related to alleged corruption during her tenure as minister.
