According to reports reaching our desk, there has been a lack of clarity from both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Presidency regarding the next steps following the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, two months ago
Following the emergence of a memo online, in which she requested the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million to a private account, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, faced scrutiny.
Additional documents revealing controversial approvals, such as authorizing airfares to Kogi, a state without an airport, circulated widely, leading to her suspension by the president.
In response, separate investigations were initiated, including one by the EFCC.
Additionally, a panel headed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, was tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the financial structure and framework of the social investment programs.
These programs, initially overseen by NSIPA and now under the humanitarian affairs ministry, were suspended following Edu’s suspension.
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A new development arose when the Wale Edun-led presidential panel recommended transferring the intervention initiatives from the humanitarian affairs ministry to the federal ministry of finance.
The panel proposed resuming the suspended programs to alleviate the plight of impoverished Nigerians, suggesting a new board under Edun’s leadership to oversee them.
Reports from February 21, 2024, indicated Edun’s intention to relaunch direct cash transfers to approximately 12 million vulnerable Nigerians amid rising living costs.
Speaking at a retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Edun highlighted the need to expand the program due to increased hardship, suggesting that while initially designed for 3 million beneficiaries, circumstances warranted assistance to 12 million households.
When reached for comment, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, declined to confirm whether the interim report had been submitted to the president.
