Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has called upon President Bola Tinubu not to show leniency towards anyone implicated in the alleged scandal involving Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
In an official statement released via his verified X-handle on Thursday, Peter Obi urged the government to move beyond Edu’s suspension and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He welcomed Edu’s suspension, emphasising the need for the government to tackle the issue of public sector corruption with utmost seriousness.
Expressing his disappointment, Obi observed that a ministry originally established to address the plight of suffering masses had allegedly transformed into a channel for embezzling funds intended for the poor. He drew attention to the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N37 billion by the previous minister in charge of the ministry.
Obi stated, “I like to add my voice with most Nigerians concerned about accountability in government and judicious use of public funds, to welcome the suspension of Edu, and subsequent directives for her investigation. The investigation must be comprehensive so that all those culpable are brought to book.”
The former governor of Anambra cautioned against trivialising the issue, asserting that the suspension should serve as a starting point to hold all those deserving of blame accountable, similar to the minister. He further emphasised the need for a thorough, system-wide investigation into reported cases of fraud and corruption among high government officials.
Recalling the circumstances leading to Edu’s suspension, it emerged that President Tinubu took this step on Monday amid controversy over financial transactions authorised by the minister. The scandal involved the approval of substantial sums of money being transferred into the private bank accounts of civil servants.
Edu had faced criticism from the public for ordering the transfer of N585.2 million into the private bank account of a civil servant responsible for grants for vulnerable Nigerians. This action had raised concerns about the use of public funds meant for poverty alleviation.
As the investigations continue, Peter Obi’s call for a comprehensive inquiry underscores the demand for accountability and transparency in the public sector.
