Renowned rights activist Femi Falana has urged Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to issue an apology and step down from her position for betraying the trust of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people. Falana criticized Edu’s response to the N585 million scandal, deeming it an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians.
“It is public knowledge that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, recently directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay a whopping sum of N585.18 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun states,” Falana stated.
“Happily, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, rightly rejected the illegal directive and refused to pay the said sum of N585.18 million to the agent of the minister.”
Falana expressed disappointment with Edu’s response, stating that the minister had not denied giving approval for the payment despite its illegality under the relevant Public Service Rules and laws such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offenses Act and the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized that Edu’s claim of a fabricated allegation was arrogant.
“Instead of apologizing to the federal government and people of Nigeria and calling it quits for betraying the confidence reposed in her, the minister has arrogantly said the N585.18 million fraud allegation is a mere fabrication by her detractors and an alleged attempt by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s effort in fighting corruption and uplifting the needy,” Falana stated.
Falana commended the Accountant-General of the Federation for preventing the diversion of the funds and stressed that the leaked memorandum indicated the completion of the offense of an attempt to commit a felony.
“There can be no legal justification for the criminal diversion of the said sum of N585.18 million for disbursement to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun states since the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has collated the individual bank accounts of all the vulnerable people,” Falana added.
Falana’s statement underscored the need for Edu to apologize and step down from her position in light of these revelations. The case further highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, urging a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure justice.
