In a recent development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally requested the swift dismissal and prosecution of Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, over accusations of misappropriating N44 billion from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) fund.
In an official statement through its National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP further alleges that N585.2 million was audaciously diverted to a private account.
The revelation of fraudulent activities within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is viewed by the PDP as merely the tip of the iceberg, exposing the widespread treasury looting, unbridled stealing, and resource plundering transpiring under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. The party contends that these actions have severely impacted the nation’s economy.
The PDP expresses deep concern that a minister entrusted with public funds aimed at supporting millions of impoverished Nigerians allegedly diverted substantial sums meant for their welfare. The party decries the audacity of Betta Edu’s continued tenure as Minister, characterizing it as provocative and tantamount to stealing from the very people she is supposed to assist. This, according to the PDP, reinforces its belief that the APC government under Tinubu is riddled with corruption, serving as a haven for thieves and treasury looters.
Reports detailing the alleged collaboration between Betta Edu and the suspended National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu, in brazenly looting billions of Naira have shocked Nigerians. The PDP emphasizes the distressing aspect of Edu’s alleged directive to transfer N585.2 million into a private account, a clear violation of financial regulations prohibiting the payment of public money into a private account.
Quoting Chapter 7, Section 713 of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations, 2009, the PDP emphasizes that the act of paying public money into a private account is deemed fraudulent, as reiterated by the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein. The party criticizes Edu’s lack of remorse and justifications for the illegal diversion, citing it as emblematic of the APC administration’s insensitivity, heartlessness, impunity, and criminal audacity.
The PDP also reveals disturbing information suggesting Edu’s alleged collaboration with two prominent APC officials in the Presidency and the National Assembly. These officials are accused of utilizing ministers and other government officials to divert significant sums to personal accounts. Additionally, there are concerns that attempts may be made to use the suspended National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu, as a scapegoat to downplay the involvement of Edu and the aforementioned APC leaders.
The PDP concludes by calling on President Tinubu to demonstrate commitment to the fight against corruption by promptly dismissing Betta Edu, initiating an investigation, and recovering the stolen N44 billion. Furthermore, the party urges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to swiftly invite Edu for questioning and commence a comprehensive investigation into alleged corruption and treasury looting across Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs) under the APC administration.
