Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) Laments Delays In Replacing Betta Edu

According to Npower News, The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday 9th April 2024, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of promoting anti-poor policies.

The accusation followed revelations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), exposing a scandal involving the misappropriation of ₦30,000,000,000, allegedly linked to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), in a statement by its national coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko, disclosed that the functionality of the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, without a replacement for Betta Edu, has left millions of Nigerians including beneficiaries of Npower without access to essential government assistance.

This situation, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) said, had been interpreted by HURIWA as a deliberate act of neglect towards the poor, further exacerbating the gaping socio-economic inequalities plaguing the nation.

“The EFCC’s bulletin detailing the recovery of ₦30,000,000,000, coupled with ongoing investigations into fifty bank accounts associated with the scandal, paints a grim picture of corruption within the government.

“HURIWA insists that Tinubu’s failure to appoint a suitable replacement for Betta Edu since her suspension in January 2024, reflected a disregard for the welfare of the poor, effectively rendering the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs defunct and exacerbating the suffering of those in need.”

“President Bola Tinubu, in January, suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, following widespread anger over an alleged ₦585,000,000 scandal.”

He added: “Edu’s suspension was happening as her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, was reportedly being grilled for about twelve hours by the EFCC detectives over the ongoing probe into the ₦37,100,000,000 allegedly laundered during her tenure in office, through a contractor, James Okwete.

“Data from the Budget Office indicate that the ministry, erstwhile known as Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, had a ₦2,380,000,000,000 budget from 2020 to 2024”, HURIWA stated.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/huriwa-faults-delays-in-replacing-embattled-edu/

Npower: Sadiya Umar-Farouk Investigated For over ₦37,100,000,000 fraud

According to Npower News, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), recovered ₦30,000,000,000 in the case involving suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.

Betta Edu was suspended as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation following the approval for the transfer of ₦650,000,000 into a personal account.

According to Npower News, following the development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, directed an investigation into the allegations and subsequently suspended Betta Edu from office.

Betta Edu was later invited for interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and arrested. Betta Edu was later released on bail.

Betta Edu had also pleaded not guilty to her crimes.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was also investigating the predecessor of Betta Edu Sadiya Umar-Farouk over ₦37,100,000,000 fraud as well as Ms Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) an agency under the ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Ms Halima Shehu was arrested and interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the transfer of ₦44,000,000,000 from the NSIPA account to some suspicious personal and corporate accounts within the last four days in December 2023.

But speaking in an interview with “EFCC Alert”, a publication of the agency, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede said ₦30,000,000,000 have so far been recovered since the commencement of investigation into the alleged fraud case involving the suspended minister, Betta Edu.

According to Npower News, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede said the recovered funds were already in the custody of the federal government.

“Moreover, with respect to this particular case, we have recovered over ₦30,000,000,000, which is already in the cofffers of the federal government”, Ola Olukoyede said.

“We have laws and regulations guiding our investigations. Nigerians will also know that they are already on suspension and this is based on the investigations we have done, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proved to Nigerians that he is ready to fight corruption.

“It takes time to conclude investigations. We started this matter less than six weeks ago.

“There are cases that take years to investigate. There are so many angles to it and we need to follow through some of the discoveries that we have seen”, Ola Olukoyede said.

Ola Olukoyede said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was investigating fifty bank accounts where stashed funds were traced.

“Nigerians should give us time on this matter; we have professionals on this case and they need to do things right. There are so many leads here and there.

“As it is now, we are investigating over 50 bank accounts that we have traced money into. That is no child’s play. That’s a big deal”, Ola Olukoyede said.

According to Npower News, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede said recent high profile investigation conducted by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was proof of its commitment to contain corruption in the country.

“Then you ask about my staff strength. And again, we have thousands of other cases that we are working on. Nigerians have seen the impact of what we have done so far, by way of some people being placed on suspension and by way of the recoveries that we have made. You have seen that the programme itself has been suspended.

“We are exploring so many discoveries that we have stumbled upon in our investigation. If it is about seeing people in jail, well let them wait, everything has a process to follow.

“So Nigerians should wait and give us the benefit of the doubt”, he said.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede also called for a united front in the fight against corruption.

“Nobody can fight the corruption war alone. So, we want Nigerians to believe in our capacity to fight this battle. We must also come together and agree that corruption is bad, and so when we are prosecuting corrupt persons, Nigerians should believe in it.

“We expect Nigerians to also appeal to their conscience, because the negative impact of corruption is all over for all to see”, Ola Olukoyede said.

Ola Olukoyede further stated that “we must agree that what is wrong is wrong. I also appeal to other stakeholders – the National Assembly, the Judiciary to support us in this mission.

“Every Nigerian must be a corruption fighter. When you see something wrong, say something. Challenge corrupt politicians in your locality. Take them up.

Take your governors up on the allocations they receive and make them accountable. By so doing you will be supporting the fight against corruption”, Ola Olukoyede said.

Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/04/10/betta-edu-efcc-recovers-n30bn-traces-funds-to-50-bank-accounts-in-other-ongoing-investigations

Npower: Betta Edu Not Investigated For ₦30,000,000,000

According to Npower News, in recent developments, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a clarifying statement regarding ongoing investigations involving the suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu, throwing light on misconceptions and misinformation all over the social media. Contrary to rumors online that ₦30,000,000,000 was recovered from the suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu, EFCC has disclosed that Betta Edu, is not under investigation for any alleged misappropriation of ₦30,000,000,000. Instead, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that the investigation pertains to a significantly amount, specifically ₦587,000,000.

According to Npower News, it has been stressed that the suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu is not associated with any scrutiny related to funds transferred to fifty bank accounts. The distinction between the case of Betta Edu and Halima Shehu, who is being investigated for misappropriation of funds amounting to ₦44,800,000,000 without any official approvals, has been clarified.

It is important to acknowledge the significance of transparency and accuracy in such matters, especially concerning individuals in public positions. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clarification serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before accepting it as truth, particularly in an era where misinformation can go viral across various social media platforms.

In conclusion, the EFCC’s clarification regarding the case of Betta Edu, reaffirms the agency’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining transparency in its operations. It also serves as a reminder to the public to exercise caution when consuming information, especially in the age of digital media where misinformation can easily proliferate. As the investigation on Betta Edu progresses, it is essential to await further updates from reliable and trustworthy sources and to desist from spreading unverified claims that may tarnish the reputations of individuals unjustly.

Source: https://guardian.ng/politics/efcc-betta-edu-not-investigated-for-30-billion-naira/

Npower: ₦30,000,000,000 Recovered From Betta Edu, Halima Shehu Fifty Bank Accounts Under Investigation

According to Npower News, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has so far recovered ₦30,000,000,000 from the suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu and the embattled chief executive officer Halima Shehu while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also placed fifty bank accounts under investigation in the ongoing investigation of Betta Edu the ex-Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, including Halima Shehu the former chief executive officer of the now suspended National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA).

According to Npower News, Betta Edu and Halima Shehu were suspended about three months ago by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over alleged misappropriation of public funds. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also suspended Npower and the  Social Investment Programme and, thereafter, directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to handle the matter and investigate both embattled officials, Betta Edu, Halima Shehu including anyone other party involved.

Three months after, the executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, who made this known to the public, said the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was making progress on the investigation on the Betta Edu's case, stressing the magnitude of the case and the need for Nigerians to exercise a great deal of patience.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede made this revelation in the March edition of the commission’s monthly e-magazine, EFCCAlert, obtained by LEADERSHIP on Monday.

Mr. Ola Olukoyede said “We have laws and regulations guiding our investigations. Nigerians will also know that they are already on suspension and this is based on the
investigations we have done, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proved to Nigerians that he is ready to fight corruption.

“Moreover, with respect to this particular case, we have recovered over N30 billion, which is already in the coffers of the Federal Government. It takes time to conclude investigations; we started this matter less than six weeks ago. There are cases that take years to investigate. There are so many angles to it. And we
need to follow through with some of the discoveries that we have seen. Nigerians should give us time on this matter; we have professionals on this case and they need to do things right. There are so many leads here and there.

“As it is now, we are investigating over 50 bank accounts that we have traced money into. That is no child’s play. That’s a big deal. Then you ask
about my staff strength. And again, we have thousands of other cases that we are working on.

“Nigerians have seen the impact of what we have done so far, by way of some people being placed on suspension and by way of the recoveries that we have made. You have seen that the programme itself has been suspended.

“We are exploring so many discoveries that we have stumbled upon in our investigation. If it is about seeing people in jail, well let them wait, everything has a process to follow. So Nigerians should wait and give us the benefit of the doubt.”

Source: https://leadership.ng/betta-edu-n30bn-recovered-50-bank-accounts-under-investigation-efcc/

Npower News Today On Npower Payment April 8th 2024

 According to Npower News today on payment April 8th 2024, the National Association of Npower Beneficiaries through their Twitter handle has there is strong indications from the Presidency that Npower payments to beneficiaries of Npower will recommence this month as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to finally lift the suspension of Npower.

Recall that Npower was initially suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu few months ago over alleged misappropriation of funds by Betta Edu, since the suspension of Npower the House of Representatives has been clamoring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lift the suspension of Npower so that beneficiaries of Npower can receive their Npower payment.

Whether Betta Edu will be reinstated as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation or not the main issue is that beneficiaries are lamenting over their Npower payment even some beneficiaries of Npower saying that they have nothing to do with the alleged misappropriation of funds by Betta Edu therefore the federal government should deem it fit to lift the suspension of Npower. 

Beneficiaries of Npower completed their Npower program few months ago and many beneficiaries of Npower both under the Npower graduate categories and the Npower non graduate categories are yet to receive their Npower payment, some beneficiaries of Npower are being owed three months, some beneficiaries of Npower are been owed four months, some beneficiaries of Npower are being owed six months and even some beneficiaries of Npower are being owed 12 months. The beneficiaries of Npower are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to overturn his decision and lift the suspension of Npower especially during this period of economic hardship in the country.

Npower was a federal government initiative established by President Muhammadu Buhari in the year 2016 to tackle poverty, unemployment and to make beneficiaries self reliant and employers of labour.

Source: https://x.com/NpowerNatlBody/status/1777300068019695781

Honourable Billy Osawaru Propose Lifting The Suspension of Npower

According to Npower News, beneficiaries of Npower seeking clarity on the status of their Npower payment got an update from Npower. The update throws more light on the reasons behind the delay of Npower payment and provides some hope for the future.

In a statement released through Npower Facebook, Npower addressed the constant questions from beneficiaries of npower regarding the start date for their Npower payment. This acknowledges the financial hardship the delay in their Npower payment might be causing.

According to Npower News, the reason behind the delay in Npower payment to beneficiaries of Npower is due to the suspension of Npower. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Npower (part of the National Social Investment Programme Agency NSIPA) in January 2024 due to suspected irregularities within the ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation which was headed by the suspended Minister Beta Edu. This suspension of Npower by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aims to ensure clean operations and prevent misuse of funds within the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. An initial investigation was planned for six weeks, but the situation has become more complex.

According to Npower News, Honourable Billy Osawaru, a key figure advocating for the underprivileged, has proposed lifting the suspension of Npower in the House of Representatives. This suggests a push to get Npower back on track and resume Npower payment to beneficiaries of Npower as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, with Npower suspended, Npower cannot provide specific updates on when payments to beneficiaries of Npower will commence. Npower can only share information on payment once the suspension is lifted or if there are significant developments in the investigation.

While beneficiaries of Npower awaits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision on the suspension, Nasims remains dedicated to supporting beneficiaries of Npower. Npower will actively search for and share details about any government scheme or initiative that might offer financial assistance to be beneficiaries of Npower during this period.

The statement concludes with Npower expressing sincere appreciation to beneficiaries of the Npower program for their understanding and cooperation throughout this challenging period.

While there is no known date for commencing Npower payment, Npower acknowledges the concerns of beneficiaries and Npower is working assiduously to find alternative support options. The proposed lifting of the suspension of Npower offers a hopeful sign, but beneficiaries of Npower have to wait for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s response. Beneficiaries Of Npower are advised to always stay informed by using the official Npower Facebook page and keep an eye out for further updates from Npower.

Source: https://www.piggybank.ng/npower-beneficiary-payment-update-april-2024/

ASWEC Writes To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Wale Edun Over Npower Payment

According to Npower News, the Amity And Social Well Being Center (ASWEC) has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget And National Planning Wale Edun, ASWEC are making claims on behalf of the beneficiaries of Npower, that the Federal Government of Nigeria recently made payments for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) to beneficiaries but neglected the Npower payment of beneficiaries under Npower batch c 1 and 2, ASWEC disclosed that non payment of  beneficiaries of Npower is unjustifiable, ASWEC claimed that the Federal Government commenced payment for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) but failed to credit beneficiaries of Npower especially during this period of economic hardship.

According to Npower News, ASWEC claimed that since 2020 Npower payment has not been without hitches and therefore beneficiaries of Npower deserve to be paid their stipends, ASWEC claimed that since Npower was suspended beneficiaries of Npower were faced by untold hardship and the Federal Government should commence Npower payment to beneficiaries of Npower now.

See exact content of the open letter addressed to the Federal Government of Nigeria by the beneficiaries of Npower below.

Dear FG,

The recent payment resumption of CCT/RRR funds to the beneficiaries while neglecting the continuous payment of Npower batch c 1 and 2 beneficiaries seems to be unjustifiable during this economic hardship in the country after the total suspension of Npower. The chronic suffering of Npower beneficiaries since 2020 till date prioritizes then debts to be paid off simultaneously. Therefore please, pay them NOW!

Source: https://www.nairaland.com/7688963/n-power-batch-c1-c2-2023/184

Npower Answers Beneficiaries Of Npower On When Npower Payment Will Be Made

According to Npower News, Npower has responded to questions regarding Npower payment to beneficiaries of Npower through Npower Facebook page.

According to Npower News, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Npower on the 12th of  January, 2024. The suspension of Npower was was carried out as a result of irregularities within the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation which was been handled by Betta Edu before her suspension as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. As part of this process, an investigation was launched, which was intended to last for a period of six (6) weeks. The situation did not unfold as we were informed.

For now, Npower remains under suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. Consequently, there has been a motion raised at the House of Representatives by Honorable Billy Osawaru, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, advocating for the lifting of the suspension of Npower.

In the interim, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the Permanent Secretary of the Humanitarian Ministry, has been entrusted with overseeing the affairs of the ministry during this investigative period. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan's responsibilities are limited to internal operations only, excluding any involvement in Social Investment Programs including Npower. It is important to note that his tenure in this position is temporary and restricted.

Now coming to Npower payment, Npower regret to inform beneficiaries of Npower that updates cannot be provided on when Npower payment will be made until the suspension of Npower is lifted or further developments occur. While beneficiaries of Npower await President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's response to the motion, Npower remain committed to keeping beneficiaries of Npower informed about any government or private programs that may be beneficial to beneficiaries of Npower.

Npower concluded by thanking beneficiaries of Npower for their understanding and cooperation.

Source: https://www.npowerdg.com/2024/04/nasims-react-to-npower-beneficiaries.html?m=1

Npower Stream 2 Payment News Today 4th April 2024 On Payment

Npower payment to beneficiaries of Npower batch c will not start until Betta Edu's investigation has been concluded, Betta Edu is still undergoing investigation with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and until this investigation is concluded Npower cannot commence neither would Npower payment start. As we speak the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has no Minister to oversee the affairs of Npower and regrettably beneficiaries of Npower cannot receive Npower payment until someone takes Betta Edu's position as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

According to Npower News, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will only lift the suspension of Npower when investigations over alleged misappropriation of funds must have been concluded and the culprits brought to book. In the light of this beneficiaries of Npower have been advised to exercise patience as the ongoing investigation will be concluded soon. Beneficiaries of Npower are hereby directed to desist from going to their places of primary assignment until all investigations with respect to Npower is being concluded, beneficiaries also under the non graduate categories are also directed to stop going to their various places of primary assignment until Npower resumes and Npower payment commences.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Likely To Lift Npower Suspension Before Sallah

According to Npower News and reports that has since gone viral on the cyberspace, it is believed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is likely to lift the suspension of Npower before the Sallah holiday.

Npower was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu few months ago due to misappropriation of public funds by Betta Edu the suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the President suspended Npower in order to allow for a smooth investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds in the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had said that the suspension of Npower will be lifted after all investigations with respect to Npower must have been concluded in three months, but the investigation is taking longer than necessary.

According to Npower News, speculations online also have it that Betta Edu might have secretly been reinstated as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in the middle of all this twist and drama, beneficiaries of Npower are extremely disappointed and worried about the delay in the payment of their Npower stipend. Beneficiaries of Npower have written series of letters and had even embarked on series of peaceful demonstrations but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has turned deaf ears to the plight of the Npower beneficiaries.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been advised to expedite the investigation so that Npower can resume and Npower payment made to beneficiaries of Npower, some beneficiaries of Npower are owed 3 months, 6 months, 9 months even 12 months. Npower was established by President Muhammadu Buhari to alleviate poverty and make beneficiaries of Npower entrepreneurs and employers of labour, but it seems the Npower program has not really lived up to its expectations and this is because of the incessant corruption in the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs.

Beneficiaries of Npower batch A were disengaged abruptly, promised the Nexit package which is a soft loan given to beneficiaries of Npower to start a business but this was another failed promise by the Buhari led administration, beneficiaries of Npower batch B did not complete their duration of the Npower program were also promised the Nexit package but this was also a failed promise by the presidency. Npower batch c was paid few months by Betta Edu and the Npower payment stopped suddenly, beneficiaries of Npower under the non graduate categories abandoned. The new Npower under the Renewed Hope Job Creation program was also a failed promise by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration needs to act fast to ensure that Npower resumes and Npower payment to beneficiaries of Npower batch c commences and reinstates Betta Edu as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Beneficiaries of Npower Batch C Waits For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu To Resume Npower Payment

According to Npower News, beneficiaries of Npower batch c waits for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resume Npower payment, the beneficiaries of Npower are not ready to forfeit their eight months Npower payment. 

According to Npower News, the beneficiaries of Npower are putting pressure on both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the organizers of Npower to lift the suspension of the Npower program so that Npower payment can resume.

Recall that Npower payment to beneficiaries of Npower was suspended months ago following the suspension of Betta Edu the ex-Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation over misappropriation of public funds. Before Betta Edu's suspension, Betta Edu had made successful progress by recovering looted funds from the consultants and managers of Npower.

Beneficiaries of Npower are advised to exercise patience as it is believed that Npower payment will soon be made to beneficiaries of Npower when the investigation in the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation must have been concluded.

According to Npower News, before the investigation, there had been cases of mismanagement of funds against the immediate past Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Umar Farouq, which called for forensic audit down to Betta Edu's administration as well the National Social Investment Programme Agency under the Humanitarian Ministry.

Before the suspension of the National Social Investment program, there were preparation to recruit new beneficiaries of Npower under the new Npower also known as the renewed Hope Job Creation Programme. This new Npower was suspended indefinitely.

Source: https://www.npowerdg.com/2024/04/n-power-beneficiaries-await-presidents.html?m=1