0
A Coalition of Civil Society groups led by the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiatives (EUYI) has condemned what they termed a systematic relaunch into public by the sacked Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction Affairs, Dr Beta Edu, without being cleared by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The groups also decried her public appearances around the presidency, especially with the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in recent times.
Recall that Beta Edu was suspended over an alleged diversion of more than 585 million naira ($640,000; £500,000) and many more of public money into a personal bank account by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024, following outrage by Nigerians, a move that brought shame to the nation.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, the groups led by the Convener, Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Chief Kennedy Tabuko and Co-Convener, Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiatives (EUYI), Danesi Momoh, described the development as worrisome, adding that President Tinubu, who is aware of all the corruption cases against Beta Edu by EFCC since 2024, should have prevented his wife from publicly interacting in the public space with someone whose corruption cases are still pending.
According to Tabuko, who read the text of the press conference, it is rather unfortunate that Nigeria is fast becoming a nation of no justice and no consequence for wrong actions taken by public officials.
He said: “We note that abnormality is fast becoming normal while our norms and all that we hold dear are gradually giving way to mediocrity.
“For Beta Edu specifically, it seems not to be a mere relaunch, but a comeback in a very serious way, not minding whose ox is gored. Worst of all, Beta is seen moving freely and closely without any iota of shame around the Wife of the President and the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom we all thought should fight aggressively and detest corruption in whatever way or form it appears, given her background as a Pastor of one of the most renowned Churches in the world.
“Unfortunately, too, the EFCC has blatantly refused to feed the Nigerian people with the findings of all corruption cases levelled against Beta Edu, but will go all out to arrest and parade other citizens who commit less crimes, because they have nobody to speak for them.
“Our curiosity is not about Beta Edu alone, but about many more whom we thought that EFCC and ICPC should have brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We must remind Mr. President and the First Lady that their body language matters. If Mrs Tinubu can be seen at a public function with a sacked government appointee who is still facing corruption charges, then it speaks volume and tells the public perception of the current administration.
“We consider it imperative for the APC-led government to know that Beta Edu’s public appearance in the political arena is not only a big shame and projects APC as a party that encourages corruption, but will also bring about gross disrepute to the entire country, the giant of Africa.
“It has been brought to our attention how the sacked minister lobbies her way through to appear and attend so many serious government programmes both at the state and federal level. This must stop henceforth because this singular act is rebranding our nation as a corrupt country and one without consequences for wrong acts.
“We wonder why a sacked minister who was accused of corruption, gross misconduct and under investigation will summon so much courage to follow the President to an international assignment. What a shame.”
While asking the EFCC to do justice to Beta Edu’s case, the groups gave a 5-day ultimatum before they will take a protest to the streets.
He said: “We demand that until Beta Edu’s case is decided and the EFCC make public the corruption cases against the sacked minister, it will constitute a bad public image for the government and our dear nation to see Beta Edu around the corridors of power. Mr President and the First Lady should take note of this.
“A word they say is enough for the wise.
“Again, we want to unequivocally sound this warning to the President and Commander in-Chief and all the anti-corruption related agencies that if Nigerians are not abreast with the findings of all corruption cases against Beta Edu within five days, we will take to the streets to demand, within the confines of the law, that the right thing be done.
“Going forward, we will vehemently resist any attempt to take Nigerians for granted.”
