Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, over allegations of utilizing a private bank account for financial transactions related to the government’s social welfare program.
The suspension was announced on Monday, effective immediately, as the country’s anti-corruption agency embarks on a comprehensive investigation into all financial activities within the ministry.
Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale issued a statement emphasizing President Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing Nigeria’s resources. Tinubu, who assumed office last year, pledged to combat chronic corruption and extreme poverty in Africa’s most populous nation.
Edu’s suspension follows recent reports in local media that cited an official memo allegedly directing 585 million naira ($661,000) in grants intended for vulnerable groups to be deposited into a private account. Despite claims from Edu’s office asserting adherence to due process, the minister denies any wrongdoing.
Critics, in a country grappling with austerity measures and widespread poverty, have voiced concerns over the use of a private bank account for the grants program and called for Edu’s dismissal. Nigeria’s Accountant General of the Federation clarified in a statement that such funds are intended to be transferred directly from government accounts to beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, reported to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in the disbursement of public funds during her tenure as minister. Umar-Farouq stated on social media that she was at the commission’s office to provide clarifications on issues under investigation. The investigation is expected to encompass the entire framework of Nigeria’s social investment programs.
