Betta Edu: Tinubu orders probe

Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s minister of information and national orientation, has said that President Bola Tinubu ordered a probe into the allegation of fund diversion by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu.

Edu had come under fire after a memo instructing payment of ₦585.2million into a private bank account leaked to the public.

The money, according to the minister, was meant to be distributed to vulnerable persons in four states namely Akwa Ibom, Calabar, Lagos, and Ogun.

Critics argue that Edu’s action fuels corrupt intentions as it negates the extant financial regulation on the handling of public funds.

In the first official reaction of the government to the scandal, Idris said the President had “directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details.”

He said, “The Ministry of Information and National Orientation acknowledges the concerns raised by the public regarding the alleged payment of funds into a private account by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

“We are aware of the narratives circulating widely and wish to assure Nigerians that the Government takes these issues most seriously.

“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is transparent and accountable to the people, and committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated and utilized effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians.

“The government is determined to unravel the truth as it relates to this matter, and assures that appropriate action will be taken to ensure that any breaches and infractions are identified and decisively punished, in line with the Administration’s commitment to public accountability and due process.

“The public is advised to note, against the backdrop of various unverified narratives circulating on the Internet, that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, under the leadership of Minister Mohammed Idris, is the primary source for verified information about events and actions of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“Only accurate details will be shared with the public. The Ministry is committed to providing timely updates to keep Nigerians informed about the progress of the investigation.

READ ALSO: SERAP asks Tinubu to probe Betta Edu’s scandal

“We urge Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation unfolds. The government is focused on ensuring a fair and unbiased process, and the findings will be communicated duly and transparently to the public.”