Presidency Investigates N585m Palliative Scandal Linked to Betta Edu.

Investigations have begun by the Nigerian presidency into the alleged transfer of N585.189 million grant, earmarked for vulnerable groups in four Nigerian states, to a private bank account. This significant move comes amidst public outcry and demands by civil society organizations for the removal of Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, who allegedly directed the disbursement into an individual's private account.

The presidential investigation was confirmed by The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in an interaction with Daily Trust in which he also promised appropriate action once the investigation is concluded.

This scandal erupted when a document, allegedly signed by Minister Betta Edu, directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to deposit N585.189 million into the private account of one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu. This leaked information soon became a matter of public concern and debate, prompting several reactions from different quarters.

The minister, through her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, has refuted allegations of corruption, stating that the payment followed all due procedures. Furthermore, Zubair explained that the funds were disbursed to Oniyelu's account because she is the project accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups, asserting that such disbursements are not a violation of any law.

Despite the minister's statement of defense, civil society groups have been calling for her immediate dismissal and arraignment before corruption authorities.

Executive Director of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) Global Resource Initiative, Buna Olaitan Isiak, emphasized the necessity for a thorough investigation and punitive actions against the culprits. Isiak added that the case serves as an opportunity to test the government's sincerity and commitment to combating corruption.

The national chairman of the Activists for Good Governance, Declan Ihekaire, concurs with Isiak that the minister should face interrogation if found guilty, a move he believes would serve as a deterrent to others.

Investigation, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) through its Executive Director, Tega Oghenedoro, characterized Edu’s actions as a “face of youthful mis-governance" and strongly urged President Tinubu to dismiss her and hand her over to anti-graft agencies.

In a further condemnation, Farooq Kperogi, a Nigerian professor based in the United States, essayed that President Tinubu would lose the moral right to fight corruption “if he does not fire Edu forthwith and bring her to justice.”

As investigations continue, the public waits with bated breath for the conclusion of this corruption scandal, and the corresponding action from the presidency. The outcome could have significant implications for the administration's public standing and commitment to tackling corruption. As the saying goes in Nigeria, "Time will tell" if the fight against corruption would ever transcend political rhetoric and become a tangible reality.