A coalition of 28 civil society organizations, CSOs in the Niger Delta region has demanded explanation to reports suggesting that the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has been cleared by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC of the fraud allegation against her.
The groups particularly called for clarification on the reported findings, emphasizing that such claims could undermine the reputation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has pledged to combat corruption.
In a statement signed by their spokesperson, Comrade Emmanuel Gabriel Abela, and released in Kaduna on Wednesday, they raised questions about the credibility of the EFCC’s decision, particularly regarding allegations surrounding the approval of flight fares for ministry staff traveling to Kogi State -an area that reportedly lacks an operational airport.
Abela asserted that while the coalition members share a regional background with Edu, they prioritize integrity and will not support any unethical conduct.
He said: “Edu was suspended in January amid serious allegations of misappropriating approximately N585 million. This decision prompted scrutiny of her management of ministry resources, especially concerning programs designed to alleviate poverty.
“Despite the severity of these allegations, we have received reports that the EFCC has cleared Dr. Edu of any wrongdoing. However, the rationale behind this decision remains unclear, prompting our demand for transparency and a public explanation regarding the grounds for her clearance.
“One critical aspect of the allegations involves the approval of travel expenses for ministry staff to a region without an airport. If Dr. Edu was indeed cleared, it raises urgent questions about the justification for such expenditures, especially given the ministry’s mandate to support vulnerable populations and manage resources effectively.
“If funds were mis-allocated in this instance, it would undermine the ministry’s objectives and raise serious concerns about Edu’s financial oversight.”
The groups reiterated that their concerns stem solely from the allegations of corruption, not personal grievances against Edu and therefore, called for a thorough public explanation from the EFCC regarding the evidence or rationale that led to her clearance.
“Without transparency, the credibility of the EFCC’s findings and the administration’s commitment to integrity are at risk. The Nigerian public deserves clarity on these serious allegations to foster trust in both the government and its institutions.
“Any failure to provide this transparency will not be tolerated, and we are prepared to mobilize protests nationwide to hold the government and the EFCC accountable,” the statement added.