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.

Nigerians have expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to reduce the size of his entourage for domestic and international travels by 60%, lauding the move as a decisive step to curb excessive travel spending.

The austerity measures apply not only to the President but also to federal ministries, departments, agencies, the Office of the Vice President, and the wives of both the President and Vice President.

Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, announced the cost-cutting exercise, revealing specific limits on the number of individuals allowed to accompany officials on trips. On international travels, the President and Vice President are limited to 20 individuals, while the First Lady and the Vice President’s wife are restricted to five. Domestic trips will have corresponding limits of 25, 10, 15, and 10 for the President, First Lady, Vice President, and Vice President’s wife, respectively.

The directive also emphasizes that security outfits within states will handle the protective detail for these officials during their travels within those states.

Nigerians took to social media to commend President Tinubu for leading by example and promoting prudence in government spending. The move comes five weeks after the administration faced criticism for sponsoring a large delegation to the United Nations’ COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai.

The directive has been hailed for its potential impact on reducing recurrent expenditure and fostering fiscal responsibility. Some users urged governors and other officials to emulate President Tinubu’s example, advocating for similar measures at the state level. Overall, the response indicates public support for efforts to curb wasteful spending and promote accountability in government affairs.