Presidency Initiates Probe into N585m Palliative Scandal Involving Minister Betta Edu

The Presidency has initiated an investigation into the transfer of a N585.189 million grant intended for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. The funds were reportedly diverted into a private account, sparking public outcry and demands for accountability.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, faces calls for her resignation as civil society organizations question her role in directing the payment. In a leaked document addressed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Edu allegedly instructed the disbursement of the funds into Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private account.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating, “The matter is under investigation, and appropriate action will be taken thereafter.”

Edu’s defense, presented by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, emphasized adherence to due process. According to Zubair, the payment was made to Oniyelu, who serves as the project accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups, a claim met with skepticism.

Civil society groups, including Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) Global Resource Initiative and Activists for Good Governance, have called for a thorough probe, urging President Tinubu to take decisive action against Edu if found guilty.

Tega Oghenedoro, Executive Director of the Investigation Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), labeled Edu’s actions as a “face of youthful mis-governance” and called for her immediate dismissal and investigation by anti-graft agencies.