By Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe 20/07/2024
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) from different clusters across different states in Nigeria had voiced out their contemptuous reactions over the wide spreading fake news making trending round on different social media platforms over the purported staging return of the suspended minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Betta Edu to the ministry.
It may be recalled that the former minister who was accused of abuse of power, breach of trust and embezzlement of public fund under her custody totalling upto N585 million meant for humanitarian projects, has been suspended from her position by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu after being caught red handed by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and grilled for several hours before being released on bail.
While expressing displeasure over the antics of those clamouring for Betta Edu's return to power, a physically challenged middle aged man from Imo state identified as Comrade Ikechukwu Paul Ononuju, lamented that "Betta Edu's case is particularly sensitive, given the nature of her portfolio, which involves managing funds intended to support some of the most vulnerable populations in Nigeria"
Allowing her to return to her portfolio after misappropriation of such funds not only undermines trust in government institutions but also directly affects the lives of those who depend on these services"
Ononuju added that "the EFCC and ICPC must therefore prioritize concluding this investigation and communicating the results to the public"
"This involves not only disclosing whether the allegations were substantiated but also detailing the investigative process and the evidence considered" Ononuju noted.
On his part, a Disabilty right advocate and a social media crusader, Comr. Yusuf Yahaya Abubakar from Gombe state says "It's rather unfortunate that Nigerians masses especially the maltreated N-power beneficiaries, widows, vulnerable and disadvantaged group/persons with disabilities suffers a lot under the former minister's tenure"
According him, rather than reinstating the curropted former minister, its better for President Tinubu to shop for her immediate replacement with a more God-fearing and detralized Nigerian with outstanding humanitarian records to head the ministry of humanitarian affairs.
He said "it's high time for President Tinubu to look for someone with masses at heart that have track record of humanitarian activities, integrity and character to replace her as minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation"
Stressing that, doing so "would help in in no small measure, towards alleviating poverty, challenges and hardships Nigerians masses are facing in the country"
Adding his voice to the calls for rejecting the purpoted return of the former minister, the APC's National Youth Ambassadors, North-East Zone Disabled leader, Comr. Abdullahi Ismail Ibrahim In an open letter he wrote to the Nigerian president titled "Betta Edu Must be Dismissed; We're Fed up with the Trauma she caused to Nigerians" reminded President Tinubu on his earlier speech on fighting corruption " "We must fight corruption, poverty, inconsistencies in policies, and many other problems confronting us. But don't pity me—I will live up to expectations." a speech president Tinubu made immediately after assuming office in 2023 and published by the Premium Times of 29th May, 2023
He said, "I am writing to bring to your attention the need for decisive action to combat corruption and uphold the integrity of your administration as the world is aware of the corrupt scandal of the suspended Minister Betta Edu whom her corrupt scandal has greatly tarnished the image of Nigeria at International level, there by weakening our International relationship with corrupt free countries of the world"
While commending the president for the unprecedented giant strides recorded so far within a short spell of his people-oriented administration, Ibrahim urgued the president to swiftly issue a dismissal notice to the suspended minister to prevent her and her handlers from falsely parading herself as minister of humanitarian affairs.
His words"Your Excellency Sir, I commend your commitment to the "Renewed Hope Agenda" and your promise to fight corruption and lead Nigeria towards a prosperous future"
" It is in this spirit that I urge you to take bold steps to dismiss the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. Her alleged involvement in corruption and using the Ministry letter head paper to write a condolence message instead of her personal paper has had significant negative impacts on the nation"
"Her scandals have caused suffering to the masses and hindered the efficient operation of humanitarian services. NPOWER beneficiaries have not received their stipends, small-scale business owners have struggled, and farmers have found it difficult to expand their operations. This corruption has further weakened Nigeria's economy.And with this hardship it's sad and distress to allow this woman to indirectly using the Ministry for her own selfish motives"
"Her coming back again will never do Nigerians honour but rooted our honours in dishonour" Ibrahim cautioned.
Corroborating the earlier position of his fellow PWDs brothers, Sani Umar, a Public Relation Officer (PRO) of Katsina State Asociation of the Deaf (KASAD) debunked the trending fake news circulating on various social media platforms about Betta Edu's purported return through a statement he wrote titled "Rumors of Betta Edu's Reinstatement Debunked" and made a copy available to ANN.
He wrote, "following a thorough and exhaustive investigation, I have conclusively determined that the recent news circulating regarding the reinstatement of Dr. Betta Edu, the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is entirely unfounded, misleading, and without merit"
"This misinformation has regrettably caused unnecessary confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty within the community of persons with disabilities, and has undermined the trust and confidence in the government's commitment to our welfare"
Streesing that, "there is no credible source, no reputable newspaper, and no official statement from the presidency or the EFCC indicating that Dr. Betta Edu has been cleared of any wrongdoing or that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reinstated her to her position. It is essential to rely on verifiable information and avoid spreading unfounded rumors that only serve to perpetuate confusion and hinder progress"
The KASAD PRO while urging his fellow PWDs in the country not to be discouraged by the spread of misleading fake news about Betta Edu's purported return orchestrated by shelfish elements in the country, remained optimistic and hopeful president Tinubu will soon consider replacing the curropted suspended minister with HRM Queen Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejousho to steer the affairs of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation
He said "i urge the community of persons with disabilities, and ardent supporters of Her Royal Highness, Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, to remain calm, composed, and resolute in the face of these unfounded rumors. Let us continue to pray, and work tirelessly, for the day when President Tinubu will nominate and appoint Dr. HRH Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation"
"Her leadership, compassion, and dedication to the cause are unparalleled, and her appointment would be a beacon of hope for a brighter future"
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