N585m scandal: Sack Betta Edu, save Nigeria’s democracy – Adeyanju to Tinubu

Deji Adeyanju, a prominent human rights activist, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to dismiss the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, should she be proven guilty of financial misappropriation. Adeyanju, in a statement he issued, emphasized the need for Tinubu to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged scandal.

Edu faced severe criticism following the emergence of a memo in which she instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585.2 million into a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget. The Ministry asserted that Bridget served as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups. While Edu maintained that the payment adhered to due process, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, held a differing opinion.

In response, Adeyanju, the convener of Concerned Nigerians, lauded the Accountant-General of the Federation for her steadfast refusal to fulfill Edu’s request. He praised her commitment to upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in public financial management.

Adeyanju, citing Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009, Section 713, stressed that personal money should not be deposited into a government bank account, nor should public funds be transferred to a private account. He commended the Accountant-General for setting a commendable example by adhering to these financial regulations.

Expressing concern about the alleged misuse of public funds and breach of trust by a high-ranking government official, Adeyanju urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to conduct a thorough investigation. He called for appropriate action against Betta Edu, including suspension pending further disciplinary measures if found guilty. Adeyanju asserted that such financial impropriety jeopardizes democracy and urged the president to take decisive steps to preserve it.

In conclusion, Adeyanju emphasized the importance of a transparent and independent investigation, urging President Tinubu to uphold public confidence in the government’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring responsible management of public resources.