Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has commended President Bola Tinubu for the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. However, Atiku expressed that the suspension, while commendable, is not enough, highlighting deep-rooted issues within the ministry.
The commendation comes in the wake of President Tinubu directing the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to investigate all financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The suspension follows a leaked memo on December 20, 2023, revealing that Minister Edu allegedly directed the transfer of N585 million to a private account, raising questions about financial mismanagement. Atiku noted that a program designed to lift millions out of poverty had become a "cash cow" for successive All Progressives Congress (APC) governments.
Atiku criticized the appointment of Edu, questioning her qualifications for such a sensitive role and pointing out the oversight of experienced individuals. He called for broader accountability, stating that others who benefited from funds meant for the poor should be probed and prosecuted.
The former Vice President called for an urgent reform of the ministry, highlighting the ongoing probe of the previous minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq, for alleged N37 billion fraud. Atiku emphasized the need for immediate actions to address systemic corruption and misuse of interventionist programs.
He accused the APC of weaponizing poverty and hunger, using them as tools for control and alleging a method to exploit poverty for official corruption. The statement concluded with a call for transparency and a reformation of humanitarian affairs programs to prevent further exploitation of public funds.
This development underscores the challenges facing Nigeria's humanitarian initiatives and raises questions about the accountability of government programs intended to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable populations.
