Northern Group Urges EFCC To Beam Searchlight On NSIPA, Flays Attempt To Make Betta Edu Scapegoat

By Ayodele Oni

A Northern Group, the Arewa Integrity Group, has stoutly risen in defence of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, over ongoing investigations into some financial deals in her ministry.

At a press conference on Saturday, the Arewa Integrity Group called for an unbiased investigation into the alleged scandal at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

The group emphasized the need for transparency, and cautioned against any attempts to cover up the reported financial mismanagement within the agency.

Addressing the media in Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, the Convener of the Arewa Integrity Group, expressed concern over attempts to drag the  Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, into the ongoing investigations.

Sambo stated that the group stands firmly against corruption and supports the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) probe into the disappearance of billions of naira from NSIPA.

The group highlighted Dr. Betta Edu’s track record as a high achiever within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and denounced the campaign to implicate her in the alleged N44.8 billion fraud.

Sambo stressed that the accusations against Dr. Edu are based on deliberate falsehood and disinformation, aimed at diverting attention from the actual investigation.

The Arewa Integrity Group commended the EFCC for its efforts in recovering the fraudulently diverted funds and called on all parties involved to be accountable for their actions.

The group urged the public to rely on credible information and resist fake news and propaganda, reaffirmed support for Edu and commended her for bringing the fraudulent activity to the attention of the government and the EFCC.