N585m Scandal: Tinubu Suspends Minister Betta Edu

Betta Edu

As allegation over N585 million scandal rages, President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu from office.

News Rider reports that a viral document had emerged, which detailed how Edu allegedly approved the payment of N585,198,500.00 into a private account.

The document which was signed by the minister, directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to disburse the sum of N585,198,500.00 to one, Oniyelu Bridget.

But the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale said on Monday in Abuja that the suspension takes effect immediately.

He noted that the President approved the suspension in line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians.

The suspension is expected to pave the way for thorough investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the affairs of the ministry.

Recall that the viral document also highlighted that the payment of N585.198 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states, was made into Oniyelu’s account.

Reacting to the development, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Rasheed Zubair said that N585.198 million payment for the vulnerable group followed due process.

He noted that the payment of the grant to an individual account was because Oniyelu Bridget currently serves as the Project Accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

Zubair informed that the N585.198 million grant was meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states.

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