Full details: Why Tinubu sacrifices Betta Edu in race to fight corruption; the story of ₦3 billion fraud

The return of Betta Edu, who previously held the position of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has become a notable chapter in the ongoing narrative of this administration under President Bola Tinubu.

Following a much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle aimed at addressing the performance of various ministers, the news of Edu’s return has stirred considerable interest and speculation.

At the onset of President Tinubu’s administration, few could have anticipated the trajectory of Betta Edu’s tenure.

Initially viewed as a prominent figure within the cabinet, often referred to as the ‘star girl’ for her enthusiastic approach, her time in office was unexpectedly short-lived.

Her suspension was triggered by a wave of backlash following the release of a controversial memo dated December 20, 2023. This memo indicated that Edu had allegedly instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer a significant sum of N585 million to a private account belonging to an individual named Oniyelu Bridget.

The Ministry defended this action by claiming that Oniyelu serves as the Project Accountant for Grants allocated to Vulnerable Groups.

Despite this explanation, the incident raised numerous ethical and legal questions, prompting a broader investigation.

In response to the backlash, President Tinubu directed Olu Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the financial dealings associated with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as its related agencies.

In the wake of these developments, Edu has firmly denied any involvement in the larger corruption scandal linked to the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), which reportedly amounts to around N3 billion.

However, despite her assertions of innocence and various attempts by her supporters to advocate for her reinstatement, these efforts have largely faltered. Sources indicate that the complexities surrounding Edu’s case extend beyond mere political maneuvering, and the prospect of her return is fraught with challenges.

Reinstating her could potentially damage President Tinubu’s reputation, especially given his administration’s commitment to combating corruption and fostering economic stability.

The political implications of Edu’s reinstatement have not gone unnoticed; there are concerns that doing so could provide fodder for opposition parties seeking to undermine the government’s credibility.

According to insiders within the political arena, various attempts to facilitate Edu’s comeback have ultimately been unsuccessful. The presidency appears to have taken a cautious approach, recognizing the potential backlash from a public that largely trusts in Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.

Meanwhile, Edu’s standing with the ruling All Progressives Congress remains intact, but the shadow of recent controversies looms large, hindering her potential return to ministerial office in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.