By Fortune Eromosele, Abuja

The founder of the Sustainable National Movement, Kayode Arimoro has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate Dr. Betta Edu back to office.

He said the situation surrounding the precipitously suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has unraveled a series of events that question the integrity and efficiency of public service operations.

Arimoro in a statement issued in Abuja explained that the chronicle has indeed cast a spotlight on the intricate challenges within Nigeria’s governance frameworks as various accounts suggest that the controversy began with a request for cash distribution to vulnerable groups, which quickly escalated into allegations of misappropriated funds and a subsequent investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Arimoro emphasized that this has led to broader discussions about the need for transparency, accountability, and robust checks and balances within the Nigerian government.

“The claim by EFCC to have recovered a significant sum of money during the ongoing investigation further underscores the potential scale of the governance issues at hand as the country grapples with these revelations, it becomes increasingly clear that addressing these systemic issues is crucial for advancing governance and preventing corruption” he stated.

He added that: “Although, huge sums are said to be recovered, there was no direct information from who or where it was recovered from. Some media houses tend to imply those recoveries to Dr. Betta Edu, but that is not the case. EFCC has come out to clarify that their investigation is about the system, not an individual.

READ ALSO: EFCC recovers N32.7bn, $445,000, faults Betta Edu, Farouq, Shehu

“Let us be reminded that when we flaunt freedom of information, it does not give anybody or any group the right to defame one’s image or character, as there are consequences, and we have begun the process of ensuring that such actions have consequences.

“We strongly believe that the system contributes up to 90 percent of the current situation, especially concerning Dr. Betta Edu”.

The SNM further believes that the situation described raises important questions about the processes and safeguards in place within governmental bodies to prevent mismanagement and misuse of public funds.

The statement said: “The case of former Minister of health Adenike Grange, who faced scrutiny over the approval of end-of-year payouts, serves as a cautionary tale of how a respected career like that of Dr. Betty Edu, can be tarnished by allegations of impropriety.

“It points out that before proceeding, it is important to highlight her performance as humanitarian affairs minister.

“Dr. Betta Edu is a professional and kind-hearted woman whose first 100 days in office have been marked by a proactive approach to addressing the needs of Nigerians across various states.

“Her efforts in providing relief, addressing humanitarian crises, and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda for Poverty Alleviation have shown a commitment to uplifting the downtrodden.

“The construction of low-cost Renewed Hope shelters is a testament to her dedication to creating sustainable solutions for the displaced”.

“With international support, Dr. Edu’s initiatives are contributing to the fight against poverty, unemployment, and irregular migration while also ensuring food security and the rebuilding of lives affected by conflict.

“Further more, the initiatives led by Minister Dr. Betta Edu, in collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and international partners, reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling poverty and enhancing economic opportunities in Nigeria.

“The focus on Adire fabric production, vocational training, and support for market women through interest-free loans are steps towards sustainable development.

“These efforts, alongside the targeted assistance for persons with disabilities and the drive to eliminate hunger, showcase a multifaceted strategy to improve the livelihoods of millions, fostering local entrepreneurship and job creation.”