Betta Edu Reinstated as Humanitarian Affairs Minister?
After months of silence following her suspension, Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, appears to be making a return.
Speculation about her comeback has been fueled by her recent public statement concerning the tragic incident in Jos.
Northern group call for Betta Edu reinstatement, hail Tinubu on fight against corruption
In a letter dated July 13, 2024, on the ministry’s official letterhead, Dr. Edu expressed her condolences to the victims of the building collapse in Jos.
Her message read:
“Our hearts are heavy with sadness for the families who have lost their loved ones and for the community enduring this devastating ordeal. In times like these, we find ourselves united in our shared grief and our determination to support one another during this tragedy. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace, and may the injured recover quickly and completely. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Meanwhile, NewsWeek Nigeria had previously reported that the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to hasten investigation into allegations of misappropriation of public funds against Beta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Edu was alleged to have misappropriated funds in the National Social Investment Programme, NSIP, and was subsequently suspended by President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmakers made the call following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Billy Osawaru (APC-Edo) during plenary in Abuja on Wednesday, NAN reports.
Presenting the motion, Osawaru said that Edu’s suspension and the halting of the NSIP had caused untold hardship on vulnerable groups in the country.
He said the problem could lead to a rise in poverty, social unrest and ultimately impacting negatively on the overall stability and development of the country.
The House thereafter, urged the Federal Government to either conclude the investigation on Edu or direct another minister to supervise the implementation of the programme.
