Betta Edu: Nigeria’s suspended minister in limbo

In Nigeria’s ever-tumultuous politics, few events have captured public attention as much as the suspension of Betta Edu, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.

Six months have passed since President Bola Tinubu dramatically removed Edu from office amid allegations of a Rs 585 million naira scandal, and the country is still in the dark about the outcome of the ensuing investigation.

I have to ask: where is Betta Edu and what happened to the case against her? The story began in January when Edu found himself at the centre of a storm that threatened to engulf the entire Tinubu administration.

The allegations were serious: an alleged payment of 585 million naira into questionable accounts caused a stir and anger throughout the country.

In a swift response that seemed to underscore his commitment to transparency, President Tinubu suspended Edu and ordered a full investigation into the matter.

Edu, for her part, vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the payments were legitimate and intended for vulnerable groups in several states, and defended the practice of transferring funds to employees’ private accounts as standard practice in the public service.

However, their statements did little to assuage public outrage or halt the wheels of justice when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) summoned them for questioning.

But now, six months later, we find ourselves in a strange limbo. The initial uproar has died down and given way to an unsettling silence. What has become of the EFCC investigation? Has Edu been cleared of any wrongdoing or has incriminating evidence come to light?

The Nigerian public, ever vigilant and increasingly cynical about the machinations of power, deserves answers.

I boldly say that Betta was among the top five best performing ministers in this government before her suspension. In a cabinet of over 40 ministers, I cannot count more than five who actually work. Most of them sleep on the job and have earned the title of ghost minister.

Even after her suspension of more than six months, I still rate her higher than 80 percent of the current ministers.

So what happened to the investigation and the inquiry? I think six months is more than enough time for the EFCC to complete its investigation against her.

If she was acquitted, I think the President should reinstate her to her former position. If she was indicted, she should face the full force of the law. I don’t believe the arguments that even if she was acquitted, she shouldn’t be reinstated in the Cabinet.

She brought energy and dynamism to President Tinubu’s ministry and government. In a cabinet full of sleeping ministers, she deserves to return and take her place, provided she is cleared by the EFCC.

Moreover, this story underscores the urgent need for a cabinet reshuffle. President Tinubu must realise that the time for political accommodation and appeasement is over. Nigeria is facing unprecedented challenges – from economic instability to security crises – that require a cabinet of the highest quality.

The country can hardly afford the luxury of having ministers appointed on the basis of their political connections rather than their competence.

As we consider the fate and status of Betta Edu, we should also consider the broader implications for Nigerian governance.

The President must understand that his legacy is at stake. Every day that passes without resolution of cases like Edus, and every month that underperforming ministers remain in office, erodes the goodwill and hope that has been placed in his administration.

The responsibility, as they say, lies with the President. It is time for decisive action – not just in the Betta Edu case, but in all areas of governance.

The Nigerian people deserve nothing less than a government that is transparent, acts promptly and delivers results.

The views expressed by contributors are purely personal and not those of TheCable.