The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. Atiku, in a statement, expressed approval of the move but emphasized that it was not sufficient.
Tinubu had directed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation after Edu faced criticism for directing the transfer of N585 million to a private account. Atiku acknowledged the commendable decision but raised concerns about the appointment of Edu in the first place, questioning her qualifications and experience in the development sector.
The former Vice President called for a broader reform of the ministry and other interventionist programs, describing them as an “ATM and POS for those in power.” He urged the government to fish out and prosecute others who might have benefited from funds meant for the poor, emphasizing the need for immediate and urgent actions to address systemic corruption.
Atiku also referenced the ongoing probe of the previous Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq, for alleged N37 billion fraud, emphasizing that reform is crucial to rectify the issues within the ministry. He criticized the alleged diversion of funds during the COVID-19 lockdown, pointing out discrepancies in claims about the distribution of relief funds.
The statement concluded with Atiku accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of weaponizing poverty and hunger to control the minds of vulnerable masses, labeling it an instrument of official corruption. The call for accountability and reform aligns with growing concerns about financial mismanagement within government agencies responsible for poverty alleviation and humanitarian efforts.
