CSOs Warn Tinubu, First Lady Over Beta Edu’s Comeback

A fresh political storm is brewing around a former minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Beta Edu, as a coalition of civil society organisations has criticised what it describes as her systematic public re-entry.

It warned that her continued presence around the Presidency undermines the federal government’s anti-corruption stance.

The groups, led by the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiatives (EUYI), expressed deep concern over Dr Beta Edu’s recent public appearances at high-profile events, particularly alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The coalition argued that such associations send the wrong signal to the public. It noted  that investigations into the alleged diversion of public funds that shook the country in 2024 remained unresolved by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, 28 May, the Convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Chief Kennedy Tabuko, and the Co-Convener of the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiatives, Danesi Momoh, stated that the administration’s body language must reflect absolute accountability.

They noted that allowing an official under active investigation to move freely within corridors of power damages the country’s public image and creates an impression of a lack of consequences for alleged misconduct.

Reading from a prepared statement, Tabuko said the development reflects what many Nigerians now fear, that accountability in public office may be gradually losing its meaning.

According to the Coalition, “Body language matters in leadership. When public figures facing unresolved allegations are seen prominently around the corridors of power, citizens begin to question whether accountability truly applies equally to everyone.”

EUYI said, “It has been brought to our attention how the sacked minister lobbies her way through to appear and attend so many serious government programmes both at the state and federal levels. This must stop henceforth because this singular act is rebranding our nation as a corrupt country and one without consequences for wrong acts.”

According to the Convener, “Nigerians are watching closely. The concern is not merely about Beta Edu as an individual, but about the message being communicated to the public when a former public official under investigation appears to be making a rapid return to the centre of political influence.”

The coalition further criticised the EFCC for failing to make its investigative findings public after more than two years since the initial suspension. They accused the anti-graft agency of selective transparency, arguing that the public deserves a clear update on high-profile probes just as quickly as lesser offences are prosecuted.

In a dramatic turn, the coalition issued a five-day ultimatum to the EFCC to publicly clarify the status of investigations linked to the former minister, or risk nationwide protests within the law.

“This is because, continued silence from relevant authorities could deepen public distrust in the government’s anti-corruption posture. Institutions need to demonstrate that investigations are being handled transparently and without political considerations.”

The coalition also criticised what it described as attempts to “rebrand” the former minister politically while investigations are yet to be publicly concluded.

“In the future, we will vehemently resist any attempt to take Nigerians for granted. Again, we want to sound this warning to the President and Commander-in-Chief, and to all anti-corruption agencies. If Nigerians are not made aware of the findings in all corruption cases against Beta Edu within five days, we will take to the streets to demand it.

The Convener, Tabuko, also stated, “We are demanding transparency, accountability and equal treatment under the law. If Nigerians do not receive satisfactory information within five days, citizens will have no choice but to demand answers peacefully.”