The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate sack and prosecution of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, over the alleged looting of N44 billion from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) fund. The party also highlighted the alleged diversion of N585.2 million to a private account by the minister.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, the party described the exposed fraud in the ministry as just a small part of the corruption in the current government. The PDP accused the APC-led administration of unprecedented treasury looting, stealing, and plundering of resources that have severely impacted Nigeria’s economy.
Ologunagba emphasized the tragic nature of a minister entrusted with public funds meant to support millions of poor Nigerians diverting hundreds of millions of Naira. The PDP expressed outrage at the continuation of Betta Edu as a minister, considering the allegations against her. The party argued that this further confirmed its position that the APC government is a haven for corruption and treasury looting.
The statement revealed the shocking reports of alleged brazen looting of billions of Naira by Edu and the suspended National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu. It criticized the apparent deprivation of Nigerians, for whom the funds were intended, leading to increased hardship and misery.
The PDP spokesman also highlighted the violation of financial regulations by Edu, alleging the transfer of N585.2 million NSIPA money into a private account, which contravenes Nigeria’s Financial Regulations, 2009. The party stressed the fraudulent intention behind such actions and called for accountability and justice.
