The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Minister Betta Edu, has asserted her innocence and expressed a strong dedication to combating corruption.
This comes in the midst of controversy surrounding her unauthorized attempt to transfer funds to a personal account.
Ms. Edu conveyed these sentiments in a Facebook post directed at Npower beneficiaries.
“Dear Npower Beneficiaries, I want to assure you all to remain calm and steadfast amidst the recent accusations and suspension I am facing. My heart and hands are clean, and I am committed to fighting corruption,” Ms Edu said.
She added, “It’s essential to be aware that some individuals with impure intentions may use government machinery against you. Stay strong, and together, we will navigate through these challenges.”
Following her suspension by Chief Bola Tinubu, her remarks came in response to the accusation of requesting the accountant-general of the federation to transfer N585 million into a personal account. The funds were originally intended for public use to alleviate poverty in specific states.
A leaked memo, as reported by the Peoples Gazette, revealed that Ms. Edu had written to the accountant-general’s office, urging the transfer of N585 million earmarked for poverty reduction in Akwa-Ibom, Cross-River, Lagos, and Ogun states.
The specified account for the transfer was identified as UBA account number 2003682151, belonging to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.
READ ALSO: Betta Edu: Tinubu Allegedly Summons Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo
Although Ms. Edu acknowledged writing the memo requesting the transfer to a private account, she asserted that the accusation was orchestrated by external forces against her.
The accountant-general, Oluwatoyin Madein, stated that Ms Edu had violated financial regulations by seeking the transfer of funds into a personal account.
“Mrs. Madein explained that although her office received the said request from the ministry, it did not carry out the payment. The (humanitarian) ministry was, however, advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.”
The Economic Financial Crimes Commission announced on Monday that Ms. Edu has been summoned for investigation regarding her illicit solicitation of N585 million intended for vulnerable individuals to be deposited into a private account.
(PeoplesGazette)