In a decisive move to ensure the highest standards of accountability and transparency in governance, President Bola Tinubu has suspended Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, from office with immediate effect.

The suspension, in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding integrity in the management of Nigeria’s resources, follows directives for a thorough investigation into financial transactions within the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and its associated agencies. The President has specifically instructed the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a comprehensive probe into these financial dealings.

Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister, has been directed by the President to hand over all responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Additionally, she is urged to fully cooperate with investigating authorities as they conduct their inquiries.

President Tinubu has also established a panel chaired by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance. This panel’s primary mandate is to conduct an extensive examination of the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes. The aim is to comprehensively reform relevant institutions and programmes, eliminating any institutional weaknesses and ensuring these initiatives exclusively benefit disadvantaged households. The overarching goal is to restore lost public confidence in these initiatives.

These directives, issued by the President, take immediate effect. Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, confirmed these actions in a press release dated January 8, 2024.