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Following the suspension of the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Dr Betta Edu by President Bola Tinubu over a N585 million scandal, she has faced further hurdles as she was denied access to the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The suspension came after accusations of financial infractions related to the approval of payments into private accounts, specifically about N585 million, allegedly involving a civil servant responsible for grants in Akwa Ibom and other states.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Edu for interrogation in connection with the scandal today.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu's commitment to integrity and transparency led to the suspension. Edu is directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and fully cooperate with investigating authorities.
A panel, led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of social investment programs.
Despite Edu's denial of wrongdoing, stating the payment was intended for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, her attempt to discuss the matter with President Tinubu was thwarted. She cleared security checks but was blocked from entering his office, with her access tag immediately withdrawn.
Edu was subsequently escorted out of the President's office in a State House security vehicle. It remains unclear whether she was later allowed to use her official vehicle within the presidential villa premises.
