President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.
Recall that the Presidency had said the appropriate authorities are investigating the financial irregularity involving the transfer of N585.189 million by the Minister.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said appropriate action would be taken after the investigation.
Sunrise reports that about N585.189 million meant for the vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, was reportedly diverted into a private account.
This led to widespread outrage and a call for Edu’s sack and prosecution.
In a viral document signed by Edu and directed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the minister directed the disbursement of N585.189 million into one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private account.
The leaked document revealed that the money was paid into Oniyelu’s account.
Amid the widespread outrage, Edu, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, said the payment followed due process.