Nigeria’s Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed that Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, remains “gone” from President Bola Tinubu‘s administration.
Edu was suspended in January 2024 over allegations of diverting ₦585 million in ministry funds to a personal bank account. President Tinubu directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the humanitarian ministry’s financial transactions thoroughly.
Expectations were rife during the President’s recent cabinet shuffle that the former minister could be reinstated.
Onanuga reiterated during a Sunday television interview that, “Betta Edu is gone. Her position has been taken over by someone else — that’s the man from Plateau (Nentawe) who is now assuming the role. For this government, there is no place for her in the cabinet.”
He also hinted that the EFCC’s investigation justified the President’s decision.
Allegations of Misconduct
Edu has faced several controversies, including accusations of posting fake photos of ventilators in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. The Cross River state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association passed a vote of no confidence on Edu over allegations of professional misconduct at the time. She was the state’s commissioner for health. Edu claimed the vote of no confidence was politically motivated.
The EFCC’s investigation purportedly revealed a possible theft of public funds exceeding ₦30 billion, with over 50 bank accounts allegedly linked to Edu. As of April 2024, the EFCC claimed it had recovered an equivalent of $24 million. Despite this, Edu has not been formally charged, and her supporters insist her ordeals are politically conjectured.
Edu Goes High
Notwithstanding, at her 38th birthday celebration on Saturday in Abuja, Edu continued to sound upbeat and supportive of an administration that apparently disgraced her out of public office.
“I am confident that Nigeria will be better. I am confident that, indeed, the hopes of Nigerians will be renewed.” She also expressed faith in President Tinubu’s leadership, saying, “I am confident that God will give the president… the wisdom to manage this country.“
Since her exit, Nentawe from Plateau State has taken over her role as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
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