Day after day, the recent suspension of Dr Betta Edu as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation continues to become a talking point across the nation with different angles to the situation being presented. One that that has become a constant feature of the story is that no one has come to blame her outrightly.
For every party that has one way or the other been involved in the argument, it has always been a case of a story filled with twists and turns, allegations and commendable actions. It is no longer news, the controversy that keeps revolving around the alleged mismanagement of funds, specifically the redirection of 583 million Naira. However, a closer look at the details reveals a narrative that challenges the perception of wrongdoing.
One key point that requires consideration is the fact that the said funds were not to be channeled into Betta Edu’s personal account. If her intentions were malicious, she could have easily funneled the money into her private coffers. Instead, the funds were directed towards the project’s accountant, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability.
The urgency of projects within the Humanitarian Ministry is another critical factor to consider. Many initiatives under Dr. Edu’s leadership operate on an emergency basis, demanding swift interventions and rapid responses. The method of directing funds into the project’s accountant’s bank account is a pragmatic approach, aimed at circumventing bureaucratic bottlenecks that could impede the timely execution of crucial projects in the ministry.
Furthermore, Betta Edu’s track record reflects a commitment to eradicating corruption within her ministry. In alignment with President Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance, she has undertaken significant efforts to clean house, instituting structures to enhance and expand the social register.
Her vigilance led to the identification and removal of non-deserving beneficiaries, ensuring that only the genuinely poor and vulnerable Nigerians benefit from social programmes. Dr. Edu’s proactive measures include the verification exercise for N-Power beneficiaries, the initiation of long-overdue allowances, and a focused examination of the Conditional Cash Transfer policy to prevent misallocation. Notably, she played a pivotal role in exposing the misappropriation of 44 billion Naira within the ministry, a commendable act that should be acknowledged rather than met with a suspension.
It is crucial to question whether Betta Edu should be penalized for sounding the alarm on the misappropriation of 44 billion Naira. Instead of facing suspension, shouldn’t she be commended for helping recover this significant amount for the nation’s treasury?
The 583 million Naira in question was never embezzled by the minister. In fact, the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, explicitly stated that she declined the request. Why then should Betta Edu be subjected to punitive measures for an alleged offense that never occurred? Every step of her actions was sought and approved, with the only discrepancy being a letter that emerged from her office which ultimately, was not honoured.
Just this week, some of the funds meant for capital projects at the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) were paid into private accounts of the civil servants including the Director of Medical Biotechnology Department, Dr. Bartholomew Ibeh.
Like it has been alluded to by those who have spoken on this matter, it seems Dr Betta Edu is being singled out for what seems to be a commonplace practice among ministers and government MDAs.
Again, If this practice has been accepted as legal for years, can we not consider that Dr Betta Edu was simply following existing guidelines? The suspension, under these circumstances, raises eyebrows and hints at an undisclosed undertone.
Moreover, the Treasury Single Account policy prevents ministries from maintaining accounts in commercial banks. In light of this, how else could the minister have received funds earmarked for a project in her ministry, if not through the designated project’s accountant?
Dr. Betta Edu’s achievements in just a few months in office speak volumes about her dedication to public service. She successfully secured a substantial commitment of 270 million USD from UNICEF, reinforcing Nigeria’s capacity for humanitarian response. Additionally, promises of support from global partners like the UK and Canada underscore her effectiveness on the international stage, contributing to poverty alleviation and humanitarian efforts.
Betta Edu has held various positions of responsibility without a stain on her record, from a young student leader to a federal minister. The current allegations, not directly linked to her, make it unjust to persecute her in the manner currently unfolding. As a public figure who has consistently demonstrated integrity and commitment, she deserves a fair and thorough investigation rather than hasty condemnation.
The presidency should consider the broader context and the minister’s positive contributions before passing judgment.
Written By Kareem Adeyanju
