Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, accusing her of betraying the trust of Nigerians.
Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), asserts that Edu’s involvement in the approval of N585,198,500.00 being transferred to a personal account is an “extremely embarrassing drama.”
Falana expressed his concerns in a statement, insisting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accelerates the investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, urging swift legal action against those implicated. He highlights Edu’s alleged approval for funds to be paid to a private account instead of directly benefiting the intended vulnerable groups, describing it as a breach of Public Service Rules and applicable laws.
The veteran lawyer emphasizes, “There can be no legal justification for the criminal diversion of the said sum of N585.18 million,” despite the Accountant-General of the Federation preventing its fraudulent diversion. Falana contends that Edu’s response, alleging a plot to tarnish her image, is an insult to Nigerians. He urges accountability, stating, “Instead of apologizing…and calling it quits for betraying the confidence reposed in her, the Minister has arrogantly said that the N585.18 million fraud allegation is a mere fabrication.”
Nigerians are also awaiting an EFCC investigation into the alleged financial irregularities within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.