Publicise your findings on Betta Edu’s Investigation — Group tells EFCC
Publicise your findings on Betta Edu’s Investigation — Group tells EFCC
A coalition of civil society organizations known as the Concerned Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (CCSON) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to publicly release its findings regarding the investigation of Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Edu was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on January 8, following allegations that she diverted N585.189 million in grants intended for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states into a private account.
This suspension came amid increasing scrutiny of her management of the ministry’s resources, particularly in relation to poverty alleviation programs.
The situation escalated further when it emerged that Edu had approved travel expenses for ministry staff to Kogi State, which notably does not have an operational airport.
While the EFCC reported recovering N30 billion linked to Edu’s ministry from 50 different accounts, it has yet to disclose its complete findings.
In response to a statement from an aide to House of Representatives Speaker Cecelia Ogbeche Odok, who labeled Edu’s trial a witch-hunt and claimed her innocence, CCSON expressed concern over the lack of action regarding Edu’s case.
They highlighted that Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), who was suspended alongside Edu, has already been replaced, but no action has been taken against the minister.
The group criticized the apparent inaction from the presidency, pointing out the disparity in treatment between Edu and Shehu, which they believe undermines accountability and fairness in governance.
“While we commend the swift action against Halima Shehu, we are alarmed by the presidency’s silence on Dr. Betta Edu’s situation. This selective accountability raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to justice for all Nigerians,” the statement read.
CCSON has called on President Tinubu to promptly replace Edu, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment and transparency in government actions.
They asserted that the public deserves clarity regarding these serious allegations and that the EFCC must act quickly to restore trust in government institutions.
As calls for transparency intensify, the civil society group advocates for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds, arguing that accountability is essential for effective governance.
They insist that the EFCC must disclose its findings, asserting that Nigerians have a right to know the truth behind these allegations, warning that delays could erode trust in President Tinubu’s commitment to combating corruption.
The sector Commander, Mrs Joyce Alexander confirmed the incident to newsmen on Thursday, in Awka, attributing the accident to speeding and loss of control, which led to a head-on collision.
Alexander said the crash involved a brown Mercedes trailer without a registration number, a white commercial bus registered as XED526XA, and four Bajaj tricycles that also lacked registration numbers.
She said that eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the brown mercedes trailer, carrying an unsecured container, was descending a hill at high speed when he lost control and collided with five vehicles parked by the roadside.
“A total of six individuals were involved in the crash—two adult males and four adult females. Four were confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries.
“FRSC officials arrived at the scene to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow. They transported the deceased to Crown Hospital and St. Edward Hospital in Obosi, while the injured victims were taken to Unity Hospital in Obosi,” she said.
While extending condolences to the families of the deceased, Alexander urged road users to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent accidents and ensure safe travel. She also advised motorists to avoid speeding and take precautions that could compromise their safety on the road.(NAN)
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Rivers Assembly issues 48-hour ultimatum for RSIEC chair to appear before it, threatens arrest
Rivers Assembly issues 48-hour ultimatum for RSIEC chair to appear before it, threatens arrest
The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd), to appear before it regarding the conduct of the 2024 local government elections.
The resolution was made during a plenary session chaired by Speaker Martin Amaewhule on Wednesday.
The House warned that if Enebeli fails to comply with the summons, a warrant for his arrest will be issued.
In addition, the Assembly resolved to formally request Governor Siminalayi Fubara to submit the names of all his commissioners who were not screened by the Amaewhule-led Assembly.
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Senate erupts in chaos over Natasha’s s3xual harassment allegations against Akpabio
Senate erupts in chaos over Natasha’s sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio caused a stir in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday.
On the basis of Order 10 of the Senate Rules, Akpoti-Uduaghan moved to have her petition against Akpabio submitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions and formally admitted.
This followed Akpabio’s strong denial of the accusations in his speech, in which he claimed to have never harassed a woman in his life.
The situation quickly escalated when Senator Mohammed Monguno, invoking Order 40, raised concerns that the Senate lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, given that it was already in court.
Monguno argued that the matter had been legally filed, and under the Senate’s rules, any debate on it would be subjudice, potentially undermining the court’s authority. He insisted that the Senate should allow the judiciary to handle the case without interference from the legislative chamber.
This clash between legislative protocol and the ongoing court proceedings caused significant confusion and heated exchanges within the Senate.
“Mr Senate President, distinguished colleagues, you are aware that the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Unoma Ekaete Akpabio and her family have gone to court against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan after she appeared on Arise Television on Thursday last week.
“This means this hallowed chamber cannot debate on the same matter as the xlchamber has been stopped,” he added.
Senate Leader, Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, expressed his sympathy towards the Senate President for permitting the petition to be referred to the Committee.
He noted that the Senate’s ‘Rules and Order’ do not permit a senator to personally sign a petition against the Senate leadership.
“The Senate erred to have admitted the petition as it is only the constituents that could have signed and forwarded the petition.
“It appeared Akpabio didn’t want the matter to look as if he was disallowing somebody from expressing her rights and hence allowed the error to be committed.
“I move that the chamber go into closed door (session),” Opeyemi said.