Betta Edu did not act alone, Ndume tells Tinubu to dismantle political cartel
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Betta Edu, the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister suspended for attempted diversion of N585 million, did not act alone and Bola Tinubu must act swiftly to dismantle the “political cartel” behind the rampant financial frauds in government offices, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno) has alerted the President.
The Senate Chief Whip commended Tinubu for suspending Edu but stressed he needs to immediately rein in an emerging political cartel likely worse than the fabled cabals that operated unchecked under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu suspended Edu on Monday for writing to the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million to a private account owned by Oniyelu Bridget, whom Edu claimed is the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVGs).
Madein did not make the transfer, telling Edu her directive breached the rules which state that no government fund should be transferred to a private account and no personal fund should be transferred to a government account.
The attempted fraud committed by Edu may not be isolated, Ndume argued.
“What President Tinubu has done is very timely. The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs is a welcome development. It will allow the relevant agencies to conduct a proper investigation,” Ndume told The PUNCH.
“Some people in the same position Tinubu is would not have acted. But as a leader who is in charge, he acted swiftly and the minister has been suspended. We should commend the President. This is something Nigerians should commend.
“But the President should not stop there. There is an emerging political cartel within the corridors of power. The President must act swiftly and dismantle the cartel.
“If they’re not stopped, they’ll be stronger and worse than the cabal. The President must not allow that to happen. I don’t think what the Minister did was an isolated case. I don’t think she acted alone.
“The President needs to look deep and flush out those involved in mismanaging the funds meant for humanitarian assistance. We’re hopeful that the President will take more decisive actions in the future.”
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Security forces need motivation to fight insurgency
Ndume also urged Tinubu to revisit the motivation of security personnel, especially members of the Armed Forces who need to be equipped, empowered, and motivated to carry out their responsibilities decisively, per The PUNCH.
In his view, soldiers and other members of the Armed Forces fighting insurgency are not well-equipped, motivated or empowered to fight the war.
Ndume said since Tinubu has openly told heads of security agencies that he will not accept failure, he needs to revisit the welfare of men and officers tackling insecurity across the country, especially in the North East.
“President Tinubu has made it clear that he won’t accept excuses from heads of security agencies. And I agree with him. We need to win this war. But we need to do more. Those soldiers and other members of the Armed Forces fighting to protect the country are not properly motivated.
“I’m urging the President to do more and revisit these issues I’ve listed – equip them; motivate them; and revisit their salaries and allowances.
“This move will go a long way in changing the tide of war in favour of the government. But currently, what they’re getting [in money terms] is too small to even take care of their daily needs in the field while fighting.
“I’m optimistic that if the right things are done, we’ll see a different outcome in the ongoing insurgency war in various parts of the country. Let’s equip and motivate them and we’ll see drastic changes.”