The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption has warned against the purported moves by President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, to her seat.
Convener of the group, Malam Bashir Abdulganiu, in a statement on Sunday, argued that the reinstatement of Betta Edu would make a caricature of the anti-corruption crusade of the Tinubu-led administration.
The group called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to open up on how Edu allegedly indulged in corrupt practices.
The group stated that Nigerians need to know the outcome of some high profile cases like those of Edu and the former Governor of Kogi State, Alh Yahaya Bello, declared wanted by the EFCC.
The coalition expressed worry that nothing has been heard of the outcome of the allegations of corrupt practices levelled against Edu six months since the President dramatically removed her from office amidst allegations of a cumulative ₦3 billion scandal and other unwholesome activities.
The rights group urged President Tinubu to do everything in his power to protect his legacy by making the findings on some of these investigations public to authenticate his fight against corruption and fill the vacancy created by the suspended Ministers within seven days.
It noted: “With the EFCC pointing accusing fingers at some Nigerians under investigation for its current predicament, it is imperative to ask what exactly became of her investigation and how it fits into the present puzzle.
“Could she and other persons under the EFCC radar be staging a subtle attack on the Commission in a bid to discredit it and save face?
“As Nigerians, we need to know what’s happening because the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has the potential to eradicate the suffering and hardships Nigerian citizens are currently passing through. It will be a big blow on the credibility of this administration if Nigerians are perpetually kept in the dark over sensitive issues like this.
“It is even worrisome that we have been inundated with rumours to the effect that Dr. Betta Edu is already telling her close allies that she has a close relationship with the President and as such, there’s no cause for alarm. If she is reinstated then it means her claim is right and Mr. President is making a caricature of the fight against corruption.
“Betta Edu and her likes do not deserve to be reconsidered for any political appointment even at the ward levels not to talk of state or federal, the president has the duty to prove to the entire world that; he is against corruption at any rate and since distance his administration from people like her and her co-travellers.”
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