Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South and serving as Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, has sounded an alarm about the purported emergence of a powerful group within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a phone interview, Senator Ndume praised President Tinubu’s suspension of Minister Betta Edu from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, citing financial improprieties under investigation.
However, Ndume highlighted that Edu allegedly operated within a network of individuals forming a “cartel” within Tinubu’s presidency.
Expressing concern, the lawmaker warned that if not addressed promptly, this alleged group might destabilize Tinubu’s government.
Acknowledging the suspension as a positive step, he emphasized its significance in signaling to other ministers that corruption would not be condoned in Tinubu’s cabinet.
He stated, “We should commend the president. This is something Nigerians should commend.
“But the president should not stop there. There is an emerging political cartel within the corridors of power. The president must act swiftly and dismantle the cartel.
“I don’t think what the minister did was an isolated case. I don’t think she acted alone. The president needs to look deep and flush out those involved in mismanaging the funds meant for humanitarian assistance. We’re hopeful that the president will take more decisive actions in the future.”
Ndume further urged for deeper investigation into the alleged mishandling of humanitarian funds, expressing hope that President Tinubu would take more definitive actions against such practices in the future.
