By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a stunning turn of events, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, finds herself on uncertain ground as sources from Aso Rock hint at a bleak return to office. Whisperings from the presidency suggest that the alleged scandal goes beyond what has been disclosed, casting doubt on Edu's potential resumption of ministerial duties.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a high-ranking official disclosed to Punch, "What we have in that ministry is more than what has been made public. I can tell you that Edu may not return to the ministry or even return as a minister. She may not be the only one involved. But as it stands now, she should forget the idea or dream of her returning to the Federal Executive Council. In fact, she is gone."
The scandal revolves around a comprehensive inquiry initiated by President Bola Tinubu, focusing on the misappropriation of a staggering N585 million in the ministry. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is zeroing in on Edu for allegedly authorizing the transfer of funds into a private account.
The probe extends beyond Edu, ensnaring former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq, who faces scrutiny for an alleged N37.1 billion money laundering, and Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme.
In a significant development, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) reportedly uncovered over N50 billion during its 2023 investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Originally earmarked for vulnerable citizens, these funds were blocked by ICPC during a period of naira scarcity. Efforts to divert the money into private bank accounts were foiled, and the recovered funds were redirected to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
An anonymous source shed light on the recovery, stating, "During the naira scarcity between late 2022 and 2023, the ICPC under Prof Owasanoye blocked and recovered the sum of N50 billion from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The money was meant for the vulnerable and the poor people in the country, which the ministry could not distribute due to the scarcity of currency during the naira redesign period."
As investigations gain momentum, EFCC detectives persist in questioning senior civil servants linked to the financial scandals within the ministry. The unfolding saga leaves the political future of key figures hanging in the balance, creating ripples across the nation's political landscape.
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