Deji Adeyanju, a renowned human rights activist, has called
on President Bola Tinubu to sack the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and
Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu if found guilty of financial misappropriation.
In a statement he signed, Adeyanju said Tinubu should ensure
a transparent and independent investigation into the scandal.
Edu had come under heavy criticism after a memo surfaced
where she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein,
to transfer N585.2 million into a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget,
who the Ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for
Vulnerable Groups.
The minister said the payment followed due process, but the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein was of a contrary opinion.
Reacting, Adeyanju, the convener of Concerned Nigerians,
commended the Accountant-General of the Federation for her steadfastness in
refusing to grant the request by Edu.
He said: “This action by the Accountant-General is in line
with Chapter Seven, Section 713 of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009, which
clearly states that personal money shall not be paid into a government bank
account, nor should any public money be paid into a private account.
“I applaud the Accountant-General for her unwavering
commitment to upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in
the management of public finances.
“Her refusal to comply with the improper and illegal request
by the Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs demonstrates her integrity
and dedication to the rule of law. By adhering to the Financial Regulations,
she has set a commendable example for other public officials to follow.
“In light of these developments, I call on President Bola
Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action
against the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.
“The request made by the Minister to transfer such a
substantial amount into an individual’s private account is a flagrant violation
of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations. It raises serious concerns about the misuse
of public funds and suggests a breach of trust by a high-ranking government
official.
“Adeyanju urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a
transparent and independent investigation into the matter and, if found guilty,
to suspend the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs pending further disciplinary
actions saying the senseless looting perpetrated by Betta Edu reason military
truncated severally democratic governments in the country. The president should
sack her and preserve our democracy.
“This step is crucial to maintaining public confidence in
the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring the prudent
management of public resources.”
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