Appeal has gone to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
In the light of the prevailing economic situation confronting Nigerians, traders in Lagos as well as women, youths and religous leaders said Edu will help to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians being a young and passion-driven minister.
Speaking to a cross section of the public on the need to reinstate the suspended Minister, the Chief Imam of Agbure Central Mosque at Ojodu Abiodun, Lagos State, Salaudeen Olore stated that at the heart of the argument for meeting Nigeria’s social intervention needs lies the moral imperative to uphold human dignity and social justice.
“Betta Edu deserves better because for the short while that she came to political limelight, she has paid her dues.
”Every citizen, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserves access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Poverty, hunger, and lack of access to essential services not only undermine individuals’ quality of life but also erode the social fabric of the nation,” the Islamic cleric said.
Olore warned that by failing to address these pressing needs, Nigeria risks perpetuating cycles of inequality and marginalisation which further widen the gap between the privileged few and the disenfranchised many.
“And as it stands, the suspended Minister knew her onions, so am calling on President Tinubu to bring back the woman, Dr Betta Edu, so she can continue her good work,” he said.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Nwokolo, a business woman and a distributor described Dr Edu as an all round humanist who should be reinstated.
She said: ” I have never met her but from what I read and watched on Television, she is a charismatic woman. Her compassion and humility made market women all over the country to love her. She has the solutions to the people’s social needs. So I’m calling on the wife of the President, Senator Remi Tinubu to intervene and forgive her of the little administrative error she made.”
Alhaji Tunji Adunbarin, a pensioner, said that meeting Nigeria’s social intervention needs was essential for fostering social cohesion and mitigating the risks of social unrest.
”In a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, disparities in access to resources and opportunities can fuel tensions along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. Social intervention programmes that target marginalised communities and vulnerable populations not only alleviate immediate suffering, but also promote inclusivity and solidarity across societal divides,” Adunbarin noted.
By investing in the well-being of all citizens, he added that, Nigeria can build a more resilient and harmonious society, capable of weathering the challenges of the present and future.
“So, I am begging President Tinubu to recall Betta Edu so the people can breathe again,” Adunbarin noted.
Cross section of traders at the Isheri/Olowora market under Kosofe local government area unanimously echoed and begged President Tinubu to bring the minister back to continue her good work.
The leader of the group, Alhaja Modupe Taiwo, said that the little support they got from the Humanitarian Affairs Minister went a long way in helping their fellow traders who were feeding from hand to mouth.
They reminded President Tinubu that from an economic standpoint, meeting Nigeria’s social intervention needs is not just a matter of altruism but a strategic investment in human capital and national development, and that they appreciate the President but they need Betta Edu to fasten their recovery.
“Poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare and education hinder individuals’ productivity and potential, thereby stifling economic growth and perpetuating cycles of underdevelopment. On the other hand, investing in social intervention programmes yields substantial returns in the form of improved health outcomes, increased educational attainment, and enhanced workforce participation,“ Alhaja Taiwo said.
A member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alh Olajide Kilajolu added that neglecting Nigeria’s social intervention needs can have far-reaching consequences for the country’s stability and security.
“Economic disparities and social exclusion create fertile ground for discontent and disenchantment, which can manifest in various forms of civil unrest, including protests, demonstrations, and even violent conflicts.
“By addressing the root causes of social inequities and addressing the grievances of marginalised communities, Nigeria can foster a more stable and secure environment conducive to peace, progress, and prosperity,” he stated.
