N44bn Fraud: Group Raises Alarm Over Plot to Blackmail Betta Edu
By Patience Ikpeme
The Arewa Integrity Group has raised concerns about an attempt to implicate Dr. Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in an alleged diversion of N44 billion at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
Addressing the media in Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, the convener of the group, commended Dr. Edu’s efforts and urged her to continue her commendable work.
“Recent reports concerning unsavory actions at an agency under the Ministry led to the suspension of Ms. Halima Shehu, the former National Coordinator of NSIPA. We appreciate the government’s move to involve the EFCC in investigating the missing funds meant to alleviate the suffering of the masses,” Sambo stated.
The group criticized attempts to smear Dr. Edu’s reputation through media manipulation in connection with the alleged fund diversion.
“Our investigations reveal that attempts to implicate Dr. Edu in the NSIPA scandal are based on falsehoods, aiming to divert attention from the EFCC’s probe into the missing N44.4 billion,” Sambo mentioned.
While praising the EFCC’s efforts to recover the diverted funds, the group emphasized the importance of transparency and urged all involved parties to be accountable for their actions.
“We stand against misinformation and encourage accountability. Dr. Betta Edu promptly alerted the government and EFCC upon discovering the fraudulent activity, aligning with the zero-tolerance policy for corruption,” the group asserted.
In conclusion, the Arewa Integrity Group deemed the attempt to implicate the minister as baseless and destined to fail, urging all individuals involved in the NSIPA case to face accountability.
