It has been nine months since President Bola Tinubu suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, and it seems the investigation into her alleged mismanagement of funds is unending.
Development Diaries reports that as of April, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it had not absolved any of the suspects facing investigations over allegations of corruption perpetrated at the ministry.
Development Diaries has on several occasions questioned why both the EFCC and the presidency have failed to give Nigerians any updates on the results of the investigation.
This prolonged silence raises serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of President Tinubu’s administration, particularly in its handling of corruption allegations.
It is alarming that despite the gravity of the allegations and the initial involvement of the EFCC, the public remains in the dark about the findings or the outcome of the probe.
Speculations in July that Edu may have resumed office in an official capacity, even while under suspension, further undermine the credibility of the administration’s commitment to addressing issues that relate to corruption.
The use of the ministry’s official letterhead in July, when Edu sent a condolence message to victims of a collapsed building in Jos, left many Nigerians questioning whether her suspension was merely symbolic.
One this is clear: the EFCC and the presidency’s silence about the status of the investigation only fuels more suspicion and weakens public confidence in the rule of law.
Also, the government’s failure to provide clear and timely updates on this matter risks further damaging public trust in President Tinubu’s administration.
Transparency is crucial to demonstrating a genuine commitment to addressing corruption. Without accountability, the credibility of the EFCC and the entire government comes into question.
To this end, Development Diaries again calls on the presidency to provide Nigerians with a clear update on Edu’s status, whether the suspension is continuing or she is reinstated, to demonstrate a commitment to transparency and effective governance.
Photo source: Min of Humanitarian Affairs
