NSIPA: Delta group calls for probe into humanitarian affairs minister

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Niger Delta Activists Alliance (NGAA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,other relevant agency to initiate an investigation into his Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, regarding alleged financial improprieties within the agency.

NGAA has also appealed to the EFCC to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations, ensuring accountability for all parties involved.

This move, according to NGAA President General Mark O. Edwin, would help restore public trust and ensure justice is served.

The group, comprising representatives from various interest groups in the Niger Delta region, emphasized its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and justice in Nigeria. Edwin stressed that the time for action is now.

According to the statement, recent payments from the agency’s account have been directed to personal accounts instead of licensed Payment Service Providers (PSP) accounts, a direct violation of established financial rules and regulations.

The statement read, “The alarming lack of accountability is further perpetuated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s failure to invite the Minister for questioning, raising serious concerns about the agency’s integrity and commitment to justice.

“As representatives of various interest groups from the Niger Delta region, NGAA has exercised immense restraint and maturity in observing these events, even in the face of unreasonable and unacceptable actions affecting Nigerians as a whole.

“However, there comes a point when silence becomes complicity, and inaction is no longer an option. NGAA unequivocally demands that President Tinubu takes immediate action to address this blatant breach of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulatory policy, preventing arbitrary interference by ministries in the financial management of government-owned corporations and agencies under their purview.

“The President must demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring strict compliance with the CBN regulations, allowing these entities to manage their financial affairs autonomously without undue government interference.

“Furthermore, NGAA demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of Betta Edu and all individuals involved in this misappropriation of NSIPA funds, meant to benefit the Nigerian people and the country as a whole. It is crucial that the Agency is repositioned and empowered to deliver programs that effectively alleviate poverty for the poor and vulnerable.”