PRESS STATEMENT ON THE URGENT NEED TO REINSTATE THE SUSPENDED MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION DR. BETTA EDU BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU TO ENSURE A CONTINUED YOUTHFUL AND TIMELY RESPONSE TO HUMANITARIAN CRISES IN NIGERIA.
Good afternoon esteemed members of the press.
Today, we are representing over 41 million Nigerian students, gathering to address the pressing issue concerning Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. Since her suspension that took place on the 8th day of January 2024 due to allegations of financial impropriety, we are pleased to announce that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has completed its investigation and exonerated/cleared Dr Betta Edu of all charges.
We commend the EFCC for their thoroughness and professionalism in this matter. This outcome serves as a testament to Dr Edu’s integrity and dedication to public service which we all as a people can attest to judging from her outstanding achievements and legacies within the short period in office.
However, despite being cleared of all allegations, Dr Edu still remains suspended, for reasons Nigerian students don’t know. This prolonged suspension, not only unfairly tarnishes her hard-built reputation but also disrupts the critical work being carried out by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
**Achievements Of The Ministry Under Dr. Betta Edu**
Under Dr Betta Edu’s leadership, the Ministry has achieved significant milestones in delivering essential aid to the most vulnerable Nigerians. These accomplishments include:
– Establishing a streamlined and efficient distribution network for food and essential supplies to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.
– Increasing enrollment in the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), providing crucial financial support to low-income families and ensuring children’s access to education.
– Implementing targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly.
These and many more of her achievements underscore the importance of her reinstatement to ensure the continuity and further progress of these vital programs.
**Call For Her Reinstatement And An End To Political Gamesmanship**
We urgently call upon the Federal Government, particularly our amiable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to act swiftly and reinstate Dr Betta Edu as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Her proven experience, dedication, and impeccable record make her the ideal candidate to continue leading the Ministry’s essential work.
Furthermore, we implore all political actors to refrain from exploiting Dr Edu’s suspension for personal gain. The fight against poverty and the welfare of our most vulnerable citizens should unite us, not be used for political manoeuvring.
Let us as a people take into consideration the effort and hard work put forth by Dr Betta Edu that has today brought her this far and not allow individual interests, sentiments, hate, and false propaganda to jeopardize her fine reputation.
**Moving Forward With Transparency And Accountability**
We maintain our belief in the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability. We will continue to appreciate and welcome continued scrutiny and oversight to ensure the responsible use of public funds. However, such oversight should be conducted with fairness and respect for the presumption of innocence, as evidenced by Dr Edu’s exoneration by the EFCC.
We urge the government to seize this opportunity to reinstate Dr Betta Edu’s leadership, allowing the Ministry to continue its critical work of delivering hope and a brighter future to Nigerians.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Long Live Nigerian Students.
Thank you.
Comr(Amb) Kings Tamarapreye,
NANS NATIONAL SECRETARY GENERAL.
