It has been over six months since the erstwhile Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu was relieved of her position by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to alleged corruption cases, embezzlement and financial misappropriation.
Tinubu decided to show an example and equally sent a strong warning to other cabinet members by suspending Betta Edu in January 2024 after a leaked memo showed that the former minister indulged in unwholesome financial dealings while steering the wheels of affairs at the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.
Fracas ensued among the citizens when Edu's case of transferring a humongous sum of almost N585.2 million into a private bank account was brought to the limelight through a widely circulated memo emanating from the Ministry.
Following this development, the country's finest anti-graft agency, the Economic Crimes and Financial Commission (EFCC) waded into the situation by launching a probe against the suspended Minister in an attempt to get to the bottom of the matter.
Not only Edu's situation, but a series of corruption cases have also rocked the Ministry highlighting that, an institution created to provide relief to vulnerable citizens has now metamorphosed into a conduit pipe for siphoning the hard-earned tax-payers money.
Recalled that Tinubu also suspended the social welfare program and the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, Halima Shehu, over alleged N37.1 billion fraud in the same ministry.
Recently, the Federal High Court Sitting in Lagos ordered another former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development, Mrs Sadia Umar-Farouk, to account for payments of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians in six months.
It is disheartening that, for almost half a year since launching the investigation against Edu, both the federal government and EFCC have yet to make public, the report of the probe or arraign the suspended Minister before a court of competent jurisdiction to scrutinize the issue from the ambit of the law and order.
The persistent question Nigerians are asking is: when will Edu's case be treated and given a deserved attention just like how other high-profile corruption cases are being treated?
As the EFCC delays absolving or indicting the ex-minister, or making public its findings, there are suspicions that she may be let off the hook, despite the weight of allegations leveled against her, which led to her ouster in January. Rumours emanating from some quarters are even hinting that the suspended Minister is on the verge of making a dramatic return to her initial position!
While speculations continued to emerge about her possible return which is being fueled by the EFCC's muteness on the issue, the unfortunate situation became even more pervasive as the suspended Minister, Dr. Edu, yesterday, wrote an official condolence message on the 'ministry's letterhead' over the recent Jos school building collapse where a lot of lives were lost.
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At this juncture, it is duty-bound for responsible citizens including this writer to begin questioning the legality of using official documents of the ministry [letterhead] by the suspended Minister in expressing her condolences. The authorities including Presidency should quickly address this matter before it generates even more diverse hypotheses.
Notwithstanding, it has become pertinent for the EFCC and federal government to come out clean on this lingering issue by addressing the public to preserve the integrity and dignity of the nation.
The public, stakeholders, and international observers are now calling on the authorities to promptly release the findings of the probe, emphasizing that transparency, accountability, and the principle of speedy justice dispensation are critical in this matter to restore public trust and deter future misconduct.
The release of the report on Betta Edu's probe will demonstrate the government's commitment to openness and accountability. When public officials are accused of misconduct, investigative processes need to be transparent to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. Withholding the report could foster suspicion, erode public trust in institutions, and fuel speculations of a cover-up.
Meanwhile, the essence of accountability is to ensure that public officials are held responsible for their actions. It is a key deterrent against corruption and abuse of power. The EFCC, tasked with fighting economic and financial crimes, must uphold its mandate by ensuring that those found guilty of corruption face appropriate consequences. This sends a clear message that no one is above the law, reinforcing the integrity of public institutions.
In the case of Edu, releasing the probe report swiftly will enhance public confidence in the government's ability to tackle corruption. It will also demonstrate a commitment to justice and reassure citizens that their leaders are accountable.
If the investigation reveals that Betta Edu engaged in corrupt practices, she must face appropriate punitive measures. Punishment serves not only to penalize the wrongdoer but also to set a precedent and deter others from similar misconduct. Ensuring that Edu is held accountable will reinforce the message that corruption will not be tolerated at any level of government and that nobody is above the law.
Still on, given the serious nature of the allegations, it would be inappropriate for Betta Edu to return to her ministerial position. Allowing her to resume office without addressing the allegations would undermine the credibility of the government's anti-corruption efforts. It would signal to the public that misconduct can be overlooked, thereby weakening the moral and ethical standards expected of public officials.
The principle of speedy justice is crucial in maintaining the rule of law. Delays in the judicial process can lead to the erosion of evidence, fading of public interest, and potential manipulation of the justice system.
The Nigerian government and EFCC must expedite the investigation and judicial proceedings related to Betta Edu to ensure timely justice. Prolonged delays can undermine the credibility of the justice system and embolden other public officials to engage in corrupt practices, believing they can evade consequences.
The message must be clear; corruption will not be tolerated, and those who engage in it will face the full force of the law.
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