Betta Edu: Tinubu’s minister trending for alleged financial misconduct

Reports have brought to light an alleged financial misconduct involving Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, who is now trending. The allegations claim that Edu authorized the payment of N585 million into a private account for personal gain. It is important to note that these are still unproven allegations and are subject to investigation.

The controversy arose from a leaked memo dated December 20, 2023, which was addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation. This memo requested the disbursement of N585 million meant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups to a personal account. Minister Betta Edu did not deny authorizing the payment, admitting to approving the transfer of funds into a private account belonging to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola. She defended her actions by claiming that due process was followed and that she acted within her role as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

However, it should be noted that Edu’s actions appear to be in violation of Chapter 7, Section 713 of the Federal Government’s Financial Regulations 2009. This section explicitly prohibits the deposit of personal money into a government bank account or the deposit of public money into a private account.

The Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatosin Madein, openly opposed Edu’s payment of N585 million into a personal account. He stated that his office did not approve the payment request and raised concerns over the Minister’s violation of financial regulations.

In response to the allegations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a thorough investigation into the matter and has promised to take appropriate action against anyone found guilty. The President’s commitment to addressing corruption is evident in this decision.

Furthermore, various individuals and organizations have demanded Minister Betta Edu’s dismissal and called for her to be held accountable for her actions. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened legal action against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he fails to investigate the alleged payment into the private account. 

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Nigerian-American professor Farooq Kperogi, and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju have all voiced their concerns and called for the Minister’s immediate removal, emphasizing the detrimental effects of corruption on the country’s democracy.

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It is important to note that these allegations remain unproven at this stage, and thorough investigations are required to establish the truth. The rule of law must prevail.