Renowned human rights advocate Femi Falana has issued a robust challenge to the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, urging her to offer a public apology and step down for what he perceives as a betrayal of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people.
At the crux of the matter is the exposure of leaked documents implicating Edu in the direction of a staggering N585.18 million into a private account belonging to an individual named Oniyelu Bridget. The ministry has asserted that Bridget currently serves as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun states.
However, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, rejected Edu’s directive and refused to disburse the aforementioned sum to the minister’s agent. Edu’s response to these allegations was met with stern criticism from Falana. He deemed her reaction as an affront to the sensibilities of the Nigerian populace, labeling it as arrogant.
“It is public knowledge that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betty Edu, recently directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay a whopping sum of N585.18 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun states,” Falana expressed in a poignant statement.
Falana went on to emphasize the gravity of the situation, highlighting that contravening established Public Service Rules, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act, and the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory cannot be overlooked. He pointed out that Edu’s refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing and dismiss the scandal as a fabrication reflects a blatant disregard for the legal framework.
The activist concluded by emphasizing that while the Accountant-General of the Federation thwarted the illicit diversion of the N585.18 million from the public treasury, the leaked memorandum from Edu unmistakably indicates the completion of an attempt to commit a felony, warranting accountability.
Femi Falana’s unwavering call for Betta Edu to take responsibility for her actions and relinquish her position underscores the significance of public accountability and ethical governance, resonating not only within Nigeria but across the global stage.
