Betta Edu, the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, has been suspended by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu, according to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the president’s spokesperson, also directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) “to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transaction” involving Edu’s ministry.
The statement also added that the suspension is effective immediately.
The statement reads:
“In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.”
“The President further directs 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, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.
“The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President 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 with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes.
“These directives of the President take immediate effect.”
Edu has come under fire after a memo surfaced online. The memo showed how she asked Oluwatoyin Madein, the federation’s accountant-general, to transfer N585 million to a private account.
The minister also authorised funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for ministry personnel travelling to Kogi, a state without an airport.
Nigerians have called for an investigation into the minister and her ministry amid the controversy.