A civil society organisation (CSO), Arewa Awareness on Good Governance, has opposed the ongoing calls for the recall of Dr Betta Edu, the suspended minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation.
The special legislative aide to the speaker of the House of Representatives, Celcilia Ogbeche Odok joined other Nigerians seeking the reinstatement of Edu, who President Bola Tinubu suspended for alleged corruption and abuse of office.
In recent times, Nigerians have called for the appointment of a replacement for the embattled minister due to the ministry’s strategic nature.
In a press statement signed and distributed to journalists by the CSO spokesman, Comrade Gremma Ibrahim Musa, the group faulted Odok’s request and insisted that integrity must take precedence over sentiments and emotions if Nigeria is to develop.
He said, “We take exceptions to the call by Hon. Cecilia Odok for the reinstatement of Dr Beta Edu. Her suspension is a necessary step towards investigating the allegations against her. Due process must, therefore, be upheld to ensure accountability and transparency in governance. Calling for her reinstatement just because of tribal sentiments is callous.
“Dr. Edu, like all citizens, is not above the law. She must face the consequences of her actions, just as others have for similar offences. The allegations against her warrant thorough investigation, and her suspension prevents potential interference or obstruction. Ignoring these allegations would undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and erode public trust.
“Hon. Ogbeche Odok’s emotional appeal overlooks the gravity of the allegations and undermines the President’s efforts to combat corruption. We must prioritise accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity. The Minister’s suspension is not a political vendetta but a necessary measure to ensure justice and protect Nigeria’s resources,” he said.
The CSO urged President Tinubu not to buckle under the pressure of selfish Nigerians who are beating tribal drums and maintained that since Ms Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency could not be recalled over alleged financial malfeasance, reinstating Beta Edu will stain Mr. President’s political profile and harm his future political prospects.
“We want to categorically state that, peradventure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu falls for this emotional blackmail, we will be left with no option than to support a pro-people government, come 2027. His actions will amount to a betrayal of our collective trust since he promised to crush corruption and run a people oriented government.
“Recalling Dr. Beta Edu without resolving these allegations would undermine the President’s authority and credibility, creating uncertainty and weakening the government’s anti-corruption stance. It would also damage Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and international reputation, discouraging foreign investment and undermining national progress”, the statement added.
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