Legal experts affirm correct procedures in Dr. Betta Edu’s controversy

In response to allegations of financial irregularities against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, claims have emerged that she meticulously followed legal processes has been set up. Lawyer and Citizen Attorney Jim Ekpeyong shed light on the issue, highlighting documents that reflect a commitment to due process.

Ekpeyong, well-versed in modern administrative procedures, asserted that key officials, especially Halima Shehu of the Ministry, appeared to have distanced themselves from the controversy, seeing it as a tactical maneuver. He called on President Bola Tinubu to seek further clarification on the issue.

According to Ekpeyong, documents show that Edu was involved in a fund transaction request that was duly approved and executed into the account of Assistant Manager Mrs. Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, in accordance with applicable financial regulations for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The published documents highlight Edu’s compliance with established processes within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, supported by the Financial Regulations for MDA. They detailed Ms. Bridget’s role in overseeing financial activities related to the program and highlighted FG’s 2021 payments to project accountants’ individual accounts within MDA.

Despite the controversy, the documents argue that Edu’s actions were in accordance with established procedures, emphasizing Ms Bridget’s responsibility to manage the disbursement of funds and pensions in accordance with regulations specifically.

This money was supposed to be made available to the beneficiaries under Ms. Bridget’s watch and supervision through the payment system. Ms. Bridget, Assistant Director of the Ministry, is said to be not related to Dr. Betta Edu.

A source from the Ministry of Defense of Mrs Bridget, confirmed that the payment request process was well established and there was no illegality. The source questioned the motive behind the controversy, saying it could be a trap to tarnish the government’s image.

Rejecting calls for Edu to resign, the source cited her proactive reporting on the NSIPA account being shorted by 44 billion, with a subsequent recovery of 39.8 billion. It emphasized that there was no shortage of funds and that the program’s transactions were successful.

Ekpeyong concluded that Edu had done nothing illegal and was facing a trap set up by individuals to embarrass the government. He urged President Tinubu to scrutinize the activities of older politicians against the new appointees, and commended Edu for his dedication to serving and achieving hunger eradication plans poor.

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