The suspended minister, Dr. Betta Edu, currently facing investigation for an alleged N585 million fraud, is said to have meticulously followed existing due processes, according to a source conversant with modern administrative procedures.
The source explained that senior officials of the Ministry, notably Halima Shehu – who handled the entire process, seemed to have disappeared from the controversy, describing the development as a tactical maneuver and calling on President Bola Tinubu to demand further clarification on the matter.
Barrister Jim Ekpenyong, a concerned citizen, also told newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, that the documents revealed that Edu’s alleged involvement in a fund transaction request, approved and executed into an assistant director, Mrs. Bridget’s account, with sources from the Ministry confirming adherence to Financial Regulations applicable to MDAs.
The document asserted that the suspended minister adhered to established processes within the humanitarian ministry, supported by Financial Regulations for MDAs.
Another document shares details of the 2021 FG’s payment to project accountant personal accounts in MDAs, highlighting Mrs. Bridget’s role in overseeing financial activities related to the program.
Despite financial regulations binding MDA transactions, the released documents argued that the minister’s actions aligned with established procedures, emphasizing Mrs. Bridget’s duty to manage funds disbursement and retirement under the specified regulations.
The funds in question were said to be intended for beneficiaries under Mrs. Bridget’s monitoring and supervision through a payment system. Notably, Mrs. Bridget, an Assistant Director and civil servant in the ministry, is stated to be unrelated to Dr. Betta.
The source from the ministry defended Mrs. Bridget, asserting that the payment request process was well-established, insisting there was no illegality in the process.
Peoplesmind