By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
A group, Civil Society Groups Against Defamation, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to treat Dr. Beta Edu’s matter with firm, dexterous and single mindedness it requires, noting that she has proven track records from her previous positions.
This was made known in a press an open letter to the President, Friday in Abuja.
According to the groups’ Publicity Secretary, Peter Asuquo Bassey, “Over the years, Dr. Betta Edu has proven that she cares about reaching out and caring for people unconditionally.
“She has proven track records from her previous positions. This glitch which helped uncover N30 billion and would help change the way lobbyists arm-twist many well-meaning government officials”.
The group stated in part: “Consequently, it is clear by now that she is not involved in all the billions being attached to her name by some media houses.
“Therefore, as we patiently await the full report of the investigation, we urge the public not to be misled by those who are hellbent on tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of Dr. Betta Edu.
“We also believe that the President will treat this matter with the firm, dexterous and single mindedness it requires. He must not be swayed by a vicious campaign of calumny and the gang up of a cartel who believe that it should be business as usual.
“It is our hope that in the end, only the guilty will be punished and if and when Dr. Edu is vindicated, the President should not delay in reinstating her.
CAgain, we further encourage fellow Nigerians to read between the lines and not allow the corrupt establishment to rid us of people who has the ability to transform and produce long-lasting results.
“As bodies who believe in the rule of law and the saying: Innocent Until Proven Guilty, we convene here as a matter of urgency to shed more light on the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of the Ministry of Human Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; and its sub parastatals.
“This bright, determined minister had the chutzpah to question transfer of over N40 billion Naira which was done following an approval that predated Dr. Betta Edu’s arrival in the ministry.
“All hell was let loose the moment Dr. Edu requested more clarifications. Beneficiaries of the Sleaze in that Ministry assembled their arsenal against her.
“While no attempt will be made by this group to shield wrongdoing, it is equally important to straighten out the story because it has been deliberately bent, squeezed and concocted.
“We clearly do not support the transfer of the N585 million or any other sum of government funds to any private account as it has been alleged.
“However, let us be clear: this private account under reference in the N585 million saga does not belong to Dr Betta Edu, nor is she a signatory to it.
“Let us be clear also that from all available facts, the minister has nothing to do with the N30 billion that has been recovered, or any amount that is still missing. All these funds were already approved before Dr. Betta Edu took charge of the ministry.”
