The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate dismissal and prosecution of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, over allegations of looting N44 billion from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) fund. The party made this call through its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, in a press statement released today.
The PDP contends that the exposed fraud in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is just the tip of the iceberg, revealing the unprecedented levels of treasury looting and resource plundering under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The alleged involvement of Edu and the suspended National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu, in the brazen looting of billions of Naira has shocked the nation, especially considering the intended beneficiaries of these funds are left to endure hardship and misery.
Expressing dismay, the PDP highlighted the reported diversion of N585.2 million by Edu into a private account, a clear violation of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations, 2009. The party emphasized that such actions are consistent with the APC’s proclivity for plundering public resources and condemned the lack of remorse displayed by the minister in justifying the illegal diversion of funds meant for the welfare of the poor.
The press statement further raised concerns about Edu’s alleged collaboration with two prominent APC officials in the Presidency and the National Assembly, who are purportedly using ministers and government officials to funnel billions of Naira into personal accounts. The PDP also revealed a suspected attempt to use Halima Shehu as a scapegoat to shield the involvement of the minister and the said APC leaders.
In light of these allegations, the PDP called on President Tinubu to demonstrate a commitment to the fight against corruption by immediately sacking Betta Edu, initiating an investigation, and prosecuting her. The party urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to promptly invite Edu for questioning and to launch a system-wide investigation into the alleged large-scale corruption and treasury looting within Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs) under the APC administration.
The PDP concluded the statement by insisting that the recovered stolen funds, amounting to N44 billion, should be channeled towards the well-being of Nigerians, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of public resources.
