N585m Scandal: Suspended Minister Betta Edu’s Aso Villa Pass Withdrawn, Details Emerge
- The suspended minister, Dr Betta Edu, is facing a crisis as the presidency has taken action following her alleged financial misconduct
- A reliable source revealed that the Aso Villa pass, which grants her access to meet President Tinubu, has been withdrawn
- This move followed an ongoing investigation into the minister's conduct, raising concerns about the implications for her political career
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
State House, Abuja - The fallout has continued as the presidency has withdrawn the pass of the suspended minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, thereby denying her access to the Aso Villa in Abuja.
Source: Facebook
Recall that Tinubu suspended Edu from office on Monday, January 8, 2024. The presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, said the development was "in line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians".
Hours after the suspension, the presidency blocked Edu from meeting with President Tinubu at the Villa.
Ngelale noted that the move was to allow for transparency and accountability on the directive given to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by Tinubu.
Why Betta Edu's pass was withdrawn
The pass enables top government officials to gain entry to the Aso Villa and meet with President Tinubu.
Speaking on the recent development, a reliable source in the presidency told Daily Trust that:
“The pass of the suspended minister to Aso Villa has been collected. That means she can no longer access the Villa until further directive,” the source added.
Details about Edu's suspension
The embattled Minister, Betta Edu, was removed from office over the allegation of misappropriation of N585 million in palliative funds.
Edu faced severe backlash from the public following the revelation of a leaked memo directing Oluwatoyin Madein, the accountant-general of the federation, to transfer N585 million to a private account.
The minister also reportedly granted funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for ministry staff travelling to Kogi, a state without an airport.
Meanwhile, Oluwatoyin Madein, accountant-general of the federation (AGF), says she did not carry out the request of Betta Edu, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation.
Madein said no bulk money “is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant”.
Shehu Sani reacts as Tinubu suspends Betta Edu
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, weighed in on the suspension of the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation.
Sani, in a post shared on his X page (formerly Twitter), applauded President Tinubu's swift action and threw a jab at former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Sani tweeted:
"This President has listened to the public and acted against his Minister.If it’s the former President he will just ASHUWA you."
Alleged fraud: Group expresses confidence in Betta Edu amid call for probe
Meanwhile, the National Anti-Corruption Crusade Group (NACCG) has declared trust in Dr Betta Edu, dismissing allegations against her as baseless blackmail.
Dr Bridget Hassan, the group's president, asserted that Dr Edu had shown a commendable commitment to transparency and accountability, maintaining a strong stance against corruption.
According to Hassan, this affirmation follows a comprehensive assessment of Dr Edu's tenure as minister, including the recent controversy affecting the ministry.
Edu says she became Tinubu’s minister after Bishop Oyedepo prayed for her
Legit.ng also reported that Edu testified about how she became a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration after Bishop David Oyedepo, prayed for her.
Edu said she told Bishop Oyedepo about her desire to become a minister at the Shiloh 2022, annual programme of the Living Faith Church Worldwide.
The minister said Oyedepo laid hands on her and said it is done. Edu said God did it and has returned to give Him all the glory.
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Source: Legit.ng
