A group, Forum of Civil Society (FCS) on Monday rejected the recent suspension of Dr Betta Edu from her position as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, over the alleged misappropriation of funds.
President Bola Tinubu through a release by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, earlier suspended the minister.
However, the group in a press conference held in Lagos stated that the allegations against the Minister were not only sponsored, by detractors of the ongoing reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but are also annoyed, about the manner, which Dr Betta Edu has coordinated the affairs of the Ministry, that as such, prevented the traditional manner of corruption, of the past.
According to the statement, the organization said it has closely monitored the developments surrounding the rumors of corruption in the disbursement of social intervention funds by Dr Betta Edu.
It explained that after thorough investigation and consideration of the facts, the group find the allegations baseless and without merit. Adding that Dr Betta Edu has been unwavering in her commitment to serving the Nigerian people, and her dedication to the welfare of citizens is commendable.
FCS implore President Bola Tinubu to remain steadfast in his trust in Dr Edu's competence and integrity, and to ignore the calls for her removal. Saying that democracy only thrives when individuals of character and dedication are allowed to fulfill their responsibilities without undue interference.
The statement reads in part; "It gives us great pleasure, to address the Nigerian public, on the prevailing issues, bothering on corruption, in the Ministry of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, headed by Dr Betta Edu.
"For the avoidance of doubt, our groups are non partisan and have played key roles, in the war against corruption in Nigeria.
"We have called this Press Conference, to vehemently reject the recent calls for the removal of Dr Betta Edu from her position as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
"We wish to state, that these calls, are not only sponsored, by detractors of the ongoing reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but are also annoyed, about the manner, which Dr Betta Edu has coordinated The affairs of the Ministry, that as such, prevented the traditional manner of corruption, of the past.
"We wish to state, that we have no doubt, that President Bola Tinubu will dismiss these unfounded allegations and disregard the orchestrated campaign of calumny against Dr Betta Edu.
"Our organization has closely monitored the developments surrounding the rumors of corruption in the disbursement of social intervention funds by Dr Betta Edu. After thorough investigation and consideration of the facts, we find these allegations baseless and without merit. Dr Betta Edu has been unwavering in her commitment to serving the Nigerian people, and her dedication to the welfare of citizens is commendable.
"The campaign of calumny against Dr Betta Edu appears to be the handiwork of mischief makers and individuals with vested interests in sabotaging her laudable efforts. Dr Edu's initiatives have positively impacted the lives of countless Nigerians, particularly in the areas of humanitarian aid and social intervention programs.
"From available records it is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu, and stain her integrity because she alerted the Federal Government attention to the ongoing N44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA.
"These sponsored individuals, have been trying to link Dr Betta Edu, to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure. However, this latest vile effort of theirs is another infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration.
"For the avoidance, the said N585m was approved, and it is meant to implement grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states.
"We must note that the grant was first launched in Kogi State, where recipients testified. Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023. Kogi already happened in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks.
"We invite Nigerians to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the Federal Government, which the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is implementing.
"The said accountant, whose account, funds were allegedly sent into, Ms Oniyelu Bridget is the Project Accountant for GVG from the Department of Finance, and it is legal in civil service for a staff, the project accountant, to be paid and use the same funds legally and retire the same with all receipts and evidence after the project or programme is completed.
"We commend Dr Betta Edu for her transparency, accountability, and relentless pursuit of the betterment of the lives of the Nigerian people. Her leadership in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has been marked by innovation and efficiency, and we believe she is a valuable asset to the current administration.
"We hereby call on all well-meaning Nigerians to reject the campaign of misinformation and support Dr Betta Edu in her noble endeavors. We implore President Bola Tinubu to remain steadfast in his trust in Dr Edu's competence and integrity, and to ignore the calls for her removal.
"Our democracy only thrives when individuals of character and dedication are allowed to fulfill their responsibilities without undue interference. We will continue to advocate for truth, justice, and the empowerment of women in positions of leadership," the statement added.
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