By Chimaobi Afiauwa, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urgently summoned Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to its Abuja headquarters, barely hours after President Bola Tinubu announced her immediate suspension amid allegations of financial impropriety.
Recall that on Monday, MUK TV reported the suspension of Edu by the president over alleged N585 million Misappropriation.
An EFCC official confirmed this development to Daily Trust, stressing the necessity of the Minister’s suspension to ensure a thorough investigation into the alleged diversion of N585.189 million meant for vulnerable groups across several states.
“Our investigation into the alleged payment won’t be thorough if we didn’t recommend the Minister’s suspension. Her suspension will give us liberty to do our job thoroughly as directed by the President.”
The commission swiftly initiated the inquiry following the President’s directive, dispatching an official invitation to Edu and anticipating her prompt response for detailed clarification.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale for immediate comment proved unsuccessful as calls to his mobile phone were yet to connect.
This move follows mounting pressure from civil society organizations, activists, lawyers, and opposition political parties demanding Edu’s dismissal.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, previously confirmed to newsmen that the issue was undergoing investigation.
