Betta Edu Denies Involvement in N3bn NSIPA Fraud Allegations Amidst Controversy

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has refuted claims of her involvement in a N3 billion corruption scandal associated with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). The recent suspension of the agency’s National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Hajia Halima Shehu, by President Bola Tinubu, has stirred controversy and led to Shehu’s interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Following her release from EFCC custody, Shehu allegedly implicated Minister Betta Edu in the corruption scandal. However, Edu, through her spokesperson Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, vehemently denies these allegations, attributing them to malicious intent aimed at tarnishing her reputation amidst the ongoing EFCC investigation into NSIPA.

Edu asserts that during her tenure of four months as minister, she neither sought nor authorized the withdrawal of N3 billion from NSIPA funds. She firmly distances herself from the NSIPA leadership’s current challenges, insisting that her name should not be linked to the ongoing suspension and investigations approved by the president.

In a statement titled “Re-Betta Edu Linked to N3bn NSIPA Fraud Scandal; Baseless Accusations Aimed at Diverting Anti-Graft Agency’s Focus,” Edu’s spokesperson emphasized the minister’s awareness of the allegations and their perceived orchestration by individuals with ulterior motives. The statement aims to set the record straight for Nigerians and followers of NSIPA developments under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The statement clarifies that Edu never requested funds, especially not N3 billion, during her tenure as minister. It highlights the approval by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the verification of the National Social Register (NSR), a move aligned with the Renewed Hope Mandate to enhance the NSR’s integrity and coverage.

Furthermore, the statement underscores the approval of various programmes by the ministry under Edu’s leadership, including the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG), as well as the ministry’s adherence to due diligence and appropriate approvals in fund management.

Source: Vanguard News