Tinubu Orders N2tn Poverty Relief Funds Probe as Edu Faces EFCC Today

President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action, directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a thorough investigation into the finances of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This comes in the wake of the suspension of the Minister, Betta Edu, over the N585m scandal within the ministry.

In a statement issued by Tinubu's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled 'President Tinubu Suspends Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation from Office,' it was revealed that Edu's suspension coincided with her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, facing a 12-hour grilling by EFCC detectives. The ongoing probe focuses on the alleged laundering of N37.1bn during Umar-Farouq's tenure through a contractor, James Okwete.

The Ministry, with a substantial N2.38tn budget from 2020 to 2024, has drawn heightened scrutiny. In line with Tinubu's directive, Edu has been summoned to appear before EFCC detectives today for questioning.

The President has also tasked a panel led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes. This initiative aims to reform relevant institutions and programs, addressing institutional frailties for the benefit of disadvantaged households and regaining public confidence in the social investment initiatives.