Legal Expert Affirms Due Process in Dr. Betta Edu’s Controversy

In response to allegations of financial infractions against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, claims have surfaced that she meticulously adhered to established due processes. Legal practitioner and citizen Barrister Jim Ekpeyong shed light on the matter, highlighting the documents reflecting a commitment to due process.

Ekpeyong, proficient in modern administrative procedures, asserted that key officials, notably Halima Shehu from the Ministry, seemed to have distanced themselves from the controversy, portraying it as a tactical maneuver. He called on President Bola Tinubu to seek further clarification on the matter.

According to Ekpeyong, the documents indicate Edu‘s involvement in a fund transaction request duly approved and executed into Assistant Director Mrs. Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola‘s account, aligning with financial regulations applicable to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The released documents underscored Edu‘s adherence to established processes within the humanitarian ministry, supported by Financial Regulations for MDAs. They detailed Mrs. Bridget‘s role in overseeing financial activities related to the program and highlighted the 2021 FG’s payment to project accountant personal accounts in MDAs.

Despite the controversies, the documents argued that Edu‘s actions aligned with established procedures, emphasizing Mrs. Bridget‘s responsibility to manage funds disbursement and retirements within specified regulations.

The funds were purportedly intended for beneficiaries under Mrs. Bridget‘s monitoring and supervision through a payment system. Mrs. Bridget, an Assistant Director in the ministry, is reported to be unrelated to Dr. Betta Edu.

A source from the ministry defended Mrs. Bridget, asserting that the payment request process was well-established and devoid of illegality. The source questioned the motives behind the controversy, suggesting it could be a trap to tarnish the government’s image.

Refuting calls for Edu‘s resignation, the source cited her proactive reporting of a missing 44 billion from the NSIPA account, with a subsequent recovery of 39.8 billion. It emphasized that no money was missing, and the program’s transactions were successful.

Ekpeyong concluded that Edu had done nothing illegal and faced a trap orchestrated by individuals seeking to embarrass the government. He urged President Tinubu to scrutinize the activities of older politicians working against new appointees, commending Edu‘s dedication to serving and achieving poverty-alleviation plans.