By Omeiza Ajayi

A coalition of support groups within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the aegis of ‘PDP Forever Initiative’, has condemned the suspension of the National Co-ordinator/Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Agency, NSIPA, Ms Halima Shehu, saying the action did not follow due process.

He coalition also queried why Shehu, who hails from the northern part of the country, would be immediately replaced with Akindele Egbuwalo, a kinsman of President Bola Tinubu.

At a briefing in Abuja yesterday, president of the coalition, Obande Gideon Obande, said as an opposition coalition, the group had earlier raised the alarm about the fidelity of the national social register, saying it was evident that fictitious names were being enrolled.

“Today, the minister is enjoying her holiday, while the National Co-ordinator and CEO of NSIPA is being sacrificed. If the government is sincere, the minister should have been suspended alongside the national coordinator and CEO of NSIPA to pave way for effective investigation.

“Because we are aware that there have been direct dealings of the minister with the coordinators, instead of reporting to the national coordinator/chief executive officer of NSIPA, they report directly to the minister.

“Let it be on record that once government is formed, it is the responsibility of all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliations, it is of our interest as Nigerians to set the records straight, especially now that the Federal Government is derailing.”