HURIWA Hails President Tinubu Over  Betta Edu’s Suspension

By Akinwale Kasali

The suspension of Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation by  President Bola Tinubu over the N585million controversy has been hailed by the civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA.

Reactions had trailed the scandal with different Civil Society Organizations, Activists and anti corruption crusaders calling for her immediate removal.

On Monday, January 24, 2024, President Tinubu yielded to the call, and approved  her immediate suspension for thorough investigation to take it cause.

It would be recalled that HURIWA, last weekend called for the suspension of Edu from office and order for a full investigation.

A statement by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko stated: “We the people of Nigeria are happy that the President has responded swiftly, but it is expected that the process of investigation of all the allegations would be painstakingly carried out so we avoid the political situation whereby the entire process will turn out a charade or become a scenario of the ‘more you look the less you see’.

“We are watching and hoping that no stone is left unturned to ensure that not a single kobo belonging to the masses of Nigeria is diverted by crooked means. Enough is enough! We hope that this whole development wouldn’t turn as ‘government magic’ which will become a disastrous betrayal of public trust”.

HURIWA welcomed what it called a breath of fresh air in the leadership style of the current administration and hoped for a sustainable approach towards providing selfless services to the good people of Nigeria.

The Group added that, “it is by demonstrably showing that the President is responsive and receptive to the rational voices of the people, that transparency and accountability would become the pinnacle of governance in the Country and by so doing, good governance will come to birth in the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

The rights group also charged President Bola Tinubu to dismiss his ministers who aren’t focused on delivering their mandates.

“Nigeria is facing a battle of unprecedented dimension to wrestle mass poverty to the ground and to liberate hundreds of millions of Nigerians from the adversities of absolute poverty.

“ This therefore requires determined actions by the head of state and head of government to make sure that the ministers give their best in the service of fatherland and the citizenry,” the rights group stated.