Betta Edu, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, on Sunday, expressed her belief that Nigeria is currently navigating a challenging phase, but is poised for a positive transformation.
Gatekeepers News reports that Edu, during a celebration of her 38th birthday in Abuja, declared her confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, suggesting it has the potential to improve conditions for Nigerians. She also urged citizens to exercise patience during this transition.
“And I want to thank God for all of you. Thank you for standing by me and supporting Nigerian youths,” she said.
“I would use this opportunity to equally pray for our dear country, and I am confident that Nigeria will be better. I am confident that indeed hopes of Nigerians will be renewed.
“I am confident that God will give the president and our leader President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the wisdom to be able to manage this country. And I am confident that things will change for the better.
“What we want to say to Nigerians is that with more patience, things will begin to get better. We are going through a phase and we’d soon be out of it and everybody will be happy again. The ark of God will come back.”
On January 8, Edu was suspended from her ministerial role following allegations related to a memo where she requested the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer funds to a private account. In response, President Tinubu instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the financial activities of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Prior to Edu’s suspension, Halima Shehu, the CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), was also suspended due to alleged financial misconduct. Following these events, President Tinubu paused all NSIPA-administered programs for six weeks.
In April, the EFCC reported recovering N30 billion as part of its investigation into Edu’s finances, noting that 50 bank accounts were under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on October 27, 2024, stated that Edu has now left the federal cabinet for good.
“Betta Edu is gone. She was suspended in January, and this is October. She is gone. Her position has been taken over by somebody else… that is the man from Plateau state (Yilwatda),” he said.
“As far as this government is concerned, there is no longer a place for her in that cabinet.”
