Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has commended President Bola Tinubu for suspending the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu over alleged corrupt practices just as it sues for a thorough investigations into the case.
The Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, while reacting to the action of the presidency, said that the investigations should be thorough and detailed.
“This investigation should be comprehensive and should cover the allegations against immediate past Minister, Sadia Umar-Farouk, and the suspended Head and National Coordinator of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), Hajia Halima Shehu.
“It should not only focus on the beneficiaries of the sleaze, but also scrutinize the involved companies, showcasing the government’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption and upholding the beneficial ownership policy in Nigeria”, Ugolor said.
Rev. Ugolor further highlights the urgency for President Tinubu’s administration to reinforce action in implementing the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) Principles.
He said the lack of transparency and accountability within the management of social investments under Mrs. Betta Edu’s tenure and her predecessor in office underscores the necessity for immediate action.
“In conjunction with anti-corruption efforts to unearth the fraud within the Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, ANEEJ, alongside our anti-corruption partners, through the Scale Project supported by Palladium and USAID, will initiate Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) to launch a People’s Tribunal states.
“This move aims to exert significant pressure on the government, discouraging impunity and ensuring swift justice”, Ugolor added.
He further maintained that , “Crime must not pay, and the Tinubu government must prioritize the fight against corruption as a fundamental agenda of his regime.”
He further reiterated that ANEEJ remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that justice is served and that the Nigerian populace can trust in the government’s efforts to fight corruption effectively.