Npower News: EFCC Said They Have Not Cleared Betta Edu

According to Npower News, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has not cleared Betta Edu the suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation of the government of Nigeria.

In January, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered the suspension of Betta Edu and Ms  Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to go after Betta Edu in order to get to the root of the matter.

Many Nigerians and beneficiaries of Npower had complained that no update had been given on the investigation months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the order.

According to Npower News, in the March edition of the agency’s monthly e-Magazine titled: EFCC Alert, Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the anti-graft commission, had said N30,000,000,000 had been recovered from the investigation while fifty bank accounts were under investigation.

But on Sunday, spokesman of EFCC, Dele Oyewale, clarified that its investigations that yielded recovery of ₦30,000,000,000 was not about Betta Edu but about the intricate web of fraudulent practices in the Ministry.

The EFCC disclosed that the recovered sum was part of the fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot that was released to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Social Development.

While revealing this to journalists in Abuja, Dele Oyewale stated that the fund was released by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.

Dele Oyewale, who further clarified that the officials of the ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, including Betta Edu, who were invited by the commission as part of the investigation have not been cleared by the EFCC.

“The EFCC has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

“At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of ₦32,700,000,000 and $445,000 so far.

“Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.

“Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance. It is instructive to stress that the Commission’s investigations are not about individuals.

“The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions.

“Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary,” Dele Oyewale stated.

https://dailytrust.com/humanitarian-ministry-fraud-weve-not-cleared-betta-edu-says-efcc/

Beneficiaries of Npower Seek Reinstatement Of Suspended Minister For Humanitarian Affairs And Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu

According to Npower News, appeal has gone to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

In the light of the prevailing economic situation confronting Nigerians, traders in Lagos as well as women, youths, beneficiaries of Npower and religous leaders said Betta Edu will help to tackle the suffering of Nigerians being a young and a passion-driven minister.

Speaking to a cross section of the public on the need to reinstate the suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu, the Chief Imam of Agbure Central Mosque at Ojodu Abiodun, Lagos State, Salaudeen Olore stated that at the heart of the argument for meeting Nigeria’s social intervention needs lies the moral imperative to uphold human dignity and social justice.

“Betta Edu deserves better because for the short while that she came to political limelight, she has paid her dues.

”Every citizen, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserves access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Poverty, hunger, and lack of access to essential services not only undermine individuals’ quality of life but also erode the social fabric of the nation,” Salaudeen Olore stated.

According to Npower News, Salaudeen Olore warned that by failing to address these pressing needs, Nigeria risks perpetuating cycles of inequality and marginalisation which further widen the gap between the privileged few and the disenfranchised many.

“And as it stands, the suspended Minister knew her onions, so am calling on President Tinubu to bring back the woman, Dr Betta Edu, so she can continue her good work,” Salaudeen Olore said.

Mrs Ifeyinwa Nwokolo, a business woman and a distributor described Betta Edu as an all round humanist who should be reinstated.

Mrs Ifeyinwa Nwoko said: ” I have never met her but from what I read and watched on Television, she is a charismatic woman. Her compassion and humility made market women all over the country to love her. She has the solutions to the people’s social needs. So I’m calling on the wife of the President, Senator Remi Tinubu to intervene and forgive her of the little administrative error she made.”

Alhaji Tunji Adunbarin, a pensioner, said that meeting Nigeria’s social intervention needs was important for promoting social cohesion and eradicating the risks of social unrest.

”In a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, disparities in access to resources and opportunities can fuel tensions along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. Social intervention programmes that target marginalised communities and vulnerable populations not only alleviate immediate suffering, but also promote inclusivity and solidarity across societal divides,” Alhaji Tunji Adunbarin stated.

By investing in the well-being of all citizens, Alhaji Tunji Adunbarin added that, Nigeria can build a more resilient and harmonious society, capable of weathering the challenges of the present and future.

“So, I am begging President Tinubu to recall Betta Edu so the people can breathe again,” Adunbarin noted.

Cross section of traders at the Isheri/Olowora market under Kosofe local government area unanimously echoed and begged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu back to continue her good work.

The leader of the group, Alhaja Modupe Taiwo, said that the little support they got from the Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, went a long way in helping their fellow traders who were feeding from hand to mouth.

Alhaja Modupe Taiwo reminded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that from an economic standpoint, meeting Nigeria’s social intervention needs is not just a matter of altruism but a strategic investment in human capital and national development, and that they appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but they need Betta Edu to fasten their recovery.

“Poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare and education hinder individuals’ productivity and potential, thereby stifling economic growth and perpetuating cycles of underdevelopment. On the other hand, investing in social intervention programmes yields substantial returns in the form of improved health outcomes, increased educational attainment, and enhanced workforce participation,“ Alhaja Modupe Taiwo said.

A member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Olajide Kilajolu added that neglecting Nigeria’s social intervention needs can have far-reaching consequences for the country’s stability and security.

“Economic disparities and social exclusion create fertile ground for discontent and disenchantment, which can manifest in various forms of civil unrest, including protests, demonstrations, and even violent conflicts.

“By addressing the root causes of social inequities and addressing the grievances of marginalised communities, Nigeria can foster a more stable and secure environment conducive to peace, progress, and prosperity,” Alhaji Olajide Kilajolu stated.

Beneficiaries of Npower have also called for the reinstatement of Betta Edu the suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation so that they can receive their Npower payment.

https://leadership.ng/lagos-traders-women-others-seek-reinstatement-of-suspended-minister/