President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.
In a statement released by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, he noted that this action was in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring accountability in the management of public funds.
The suspension comes alongside directives to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, including its affiliated agencies.
The President has tasked the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to spearhead an in-depth inquiry into all financial dealings within the ministry and its associated entities.
Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister, has been instructed to promptly hand over her duties to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Additionally, she has been urged to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities during their inquiries.
President Tinubu has established a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance.
The panel’s primary mandate is to conduct a comprehensive review of the financial architecture underpinning social investment initiatives. These directives from the President take immediate effect, the statement noted.