The founder of Sustainable National Movement (SNM), Kayode Arimoro, has called on President Bola Tinubu to recall the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, back to work.
He noted that the situation surrounding the suspended Minister has unravelled a series of events that question the integrity and efficiency of public service operations.
Arimoro, in a statement issued in Abuja, explained that the chronicle has indeed cast a spotlight on the intricate challenges within Nigeria’s governance frameworks as various accounts suggest that the controversy began with a request for cash distribution to vulnerable groups, which quickly escalated into allegations of misappropriated funds and a subsequent investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He emphasised that this has led to broader discussions about the need for transparency, accountability, and robust checks and balances within the Nigerian government structure.
He pointed out that the claim by EFCC to have recovered a significant sum of money during the ongoing investigation further underscores the potential scale of the governance issues at hand as the country grapples with these revelations, it becomes increasingly clear that addressing these systemic issues was crucial for advancing governance and preventing corruption.
However, he said, given Betta Edu’s track record and her innocence, it was important she is allowed to continue to serve the nation.
“Although, huge sums are said to be recovered, there was no direct information from who or where it was recovered from. Some media houses tend to imply those recoveries to Dr. Betta Edu, but that is not the case. EFCC has come out to clarify that their investigation is about the system, not an individual. Let us be reminded that when we flaunt freedom of information, it does not give anybody or any group the right to defame one’s image or character, as there are consequences, and we have begun the process of ensuring that such actions have consequences.
“We strongly believe that the system contributes up to 90 per cent of the current situation, especially concerning Dr. Betta Edu.
“The case of former Minister of Health, Adenike Grange, who faced scrutiny over the approval of end-of-year payouts, serves as a cautionary tale of how a respected career like that of Dr. Betta Edu, can be tarnished by allegations of impropriety.
“We appeal to Mr. President to reinstate Dr. Betta Edu to her position so that her best-in-class performance can continue,” Arimoro stated.
