A rights group, Arewa Awareness on Good Governance has kicked against media reports calling for reinstatement of Dr. Beta Edu, the sacked Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,
Dr. Beta Edu saying such calls were unpatriotic as it only serve interest of a few
The group in particular response to a call by Hon. Celcilia Ogbeche Odok, the Special Legislative Aid to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, calling for the reinstatement of the erstwhile minister who was embroiled in massive corruption, fraud, abuse of office, nepotism, contract and job racketeering allegations which led to her sack barely six (6) months into office.
In recent times, there have been calls from Nigerians for the appointment of a replacement for the embattled Minister due to the strategic nature of the ministry. This is especially because of the grinding impact of fuel subsidy removal and food inflation that has impoverished the majority of Nigerians.
In a press statement signed and distributed to journalists by the Spokesman of the CSO, Comrade Gremma Ibrahim Musa, the group faulted Hon. Cecilia Odoks request and insisted that integrity must take precedence over sentiments and emotions if Nigeria must develop and be reckoned with in the comity of nations.
Excerpts, “we take exceptions to the call by Hon. Cecilia Odok for the reinstatement of Dr Beta Edu. Her suspension is a necessary step towards investigating the allegations against her. Due process must, therefore, be upheld to ensure accountability and transparency in governance. Calling for her reinstatement just because of tribal sentiments is callous.
“Dr. Edu, like all citizens, is not above the law. She must face the consequences of her actions, just as others have for similar offenses. The allegations against her warrant thorough investigation, and her suspension prevents potential interference or obstruction. Ignoring these allegations would undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and erode public trust.
“Hon. Ogbeche Odok’s emotional appeal overlooks the gravity of the allegations and undermines the President’s efforts to combat corruption. We must prioritize accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity. The Minister’s suspension is not a political vendetta but a necessary measure to ensure justice and protect Nigeria’s resources”.
The CSO urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to buckle under the pressure of selfish Nigerians who are beating tribal drums and maintained that since Ms Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Program Agency could not be recalled over alleged financial malfeasance, reinstating Beta Edu will stain Mr. President’s political profile and harm his future political prospects.
“We want to categorically state that, peradventure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu falls for this emotional blackmail, we will be left with no option than to support a pro-people government, come 2027. His actions will amount to betrayal of our collective trust since he promised to crush corruption and run a people oriented government
“Recalling Dr. Beta Edu without resolving these allegations would undermine the President’s authority and credibility, creating uncertainty and weakening the government’s anti-corruption stance. It would also damage Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and international reputation, discouraging foreign investment and undermining national progress”, the statement stated.
The group finally appealed Hon. Ogbeche Odok and others who share her viewpoint to, “respect the President’s decision-making process, support the investigation, prioritize Nigeria’s interests over personal interests, trust his judgment, and allow due process to unfold without interference”
The group group finally called on the National Assembly to rather support Mr. President’s policies and desist from hiring and associating with people who harbour dissent against the President, even as they urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to immediately sack his Legislative Aid for malicious interference
“As a group with millions of members across the 36 states of the federation, we call on the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, to sack Hon. Cecelia Ogbeche Odok within the next 7-days to serve as deterrent to those who come on public space to defend corrupt practices. Ogbeche as far as we are concerned is a failure and disappointment to the Nigerian society”, the statement concluded.
