In a recent interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today, Femi Adesina, former presidential spokesman, staunchly defended former President Muhammadu Buhari against accusations of being a bigot or nepotist, asserting that those labeling him as such lack a true understanding of his character.

Adesina, who recently launched the book ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media, and Publicity (2015-2023),’ emphasized the necessity of the book to provide insights into the real Muhammadu Buhari, countering various perspectives and narratives circulating about the former president.

He portrayed Buhari as a patriot with a deep love for Nigeria and a fair-minded individual. Adesina disputed claims of religious bias, recounting an instance when Buhari, despite not being President at the time, attended a Christian program in Lagos after being personally invited.

Addressing accusations of nepotism, Adesina defended Buhari’s inclusive approach, stating, “A man who will never seek to impose his own religion on you and will respect your own religion.” He shared a personal anecdote about Buhari attending a worship house of a different religion, challenging the notion that he is a religious bigot.

The former presidential spokesman urged a nuanced understanding of Buhari’s actions, suggesting that those quick to label him may not be fully acquainted with his genuine intentions and commitment to national unity.

In a concerning turn of events, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation faces intense scrutiny over alleged financial mismanagement, threatening the efficacy of social investment schemes aimed at aiding the underprivileged.

Anti-corruption agencies are currently investigating the Ministry, particularly the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), which oversees critical initiatives such as the N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

Amid the allegations, experts commend President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend the programs, calling for a comprehensive overhaul. Dr. Sam Nzekwe, former President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, expressed concern, stating, “The social programs must be stopped and overhauled to stop this massive looting.”

The unfolding probe has implicated key figures, including the National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu, who was arrested over an alleged N37.1bn fraud during the tenure of former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk. President Tinubu’s suspension of Minister Betta Edu, following an alleged N585m scandal, further intensifies the crisis.

Analysts argue that the suspension is insufficient, urging for the complete scrapping of social investment programs. Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, emphasized, “All programs under NSIPA have had little or no benefit on Nigerians and should be scrapped completely.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the APC of exploiting the humanitarian ministry, calling for a reevaluation of the poverty alleviation approach. Nzekwe echoed these sentiments, suggesting a shift towards job creation rather than cash distribution.

President Tinubu, responding to the ongoing investigations, suspended all administered social investment programs by NSIPA on January 12, 2024. The decision, announced by the Director of Information, Segun Imohiosen, cites the “ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programs.”

Despite the allocation of over N2tn from 2020 to 2024, concerns arise over the impact of the funds, with Gillis-Harry asserting that the trillions invested by the Federal Government in the ministry have not yielded meaningful results.

As the nation grapples with these revelations, questions persist about the effectiveness and transparency of poverty alleviation initiatives, and calls for a more accountable and result-oriented approach gain momentum.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of 11 new Chief Executive Officers for agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy. The appointments aim to strengthen leadership in the cultural and creative sector, promoting professionalism and vibrancy.

The appointed individuals and their respective roles include:

1. Tola Akerele – Director-General of the National Theatre
2. Shaibu Husseini – Director-General, National Films and Censors Board
3. Obi Asika – Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture
4. Aisha Augie – Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture
5. Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan – Chief Conservator, National War Museum
6. Ahmed Sodangi – Director-General, National Gallery of Art
7. Chaliya Shagaya – Director-General, National Institute of Archeology and Museums Studies
8. Khaltume Gana – Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria
9. Otunba Ajiboye – Director-General, National Institute for Cultural Orientation
10. Ali Nuhu – Managing-Director, Nigerian Film Corporation
11. Ramatu Mohammed – Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments

The President emphasized the mandate for the appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, diligence, and patriotism in their roles. This move is part of President Tinubu’s efforts to enhance the vibrancy and robustness of the creative sector in Nigeria.

These appointments follow the President’s recent selections for the National Hajj Commission and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, demonstrating a focus on strategic leadership appointments across various sectors.