Edugate: N’ Delta youth leader cautions against hasty decision

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

A youth Leader from the Niger Delta region, Richard Akinaka has called on President Bola Tinubu to take a second look at the motive behind the project account initiative used by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu.

According to Mr Akinaka, President Tinubu should not allow public emotions and social media to guide his decision on the alleged corruption case against Betta Edu.

Akinaka while commending the timely suspension and investigation of Edu, implored Tinubu to re-examine the intention of Edu as regards executing her tasks, rather than focusing solely on its account itself.

He argued that the decision by Edu to authorize a payment of about N585 million of the ministry’s funds into the private account of a civil servant might have stemmed from the desire to reduce the bureaucratic and red-tape nature of the government in releasing funds.

Akinaka, while expressing regret for the potential error made by the suspended Minister based on rules and regulations governing funds for projects, suggested that the timing of project execution might outweigh any wrongdoing regarding separate accounts.

” If it becomes clear that the funds released for the project were judiciously used and not siphoned or embezzled, then the Minister should be allowed to continue her work at the Ministry.

“I express my deep gratitude towards the president for appointing such an excellent and young female Minister to work with. I plead on her behalf, not just because of her intelligence and competence but also because of her intentions”

“What happened to her was a terrible mistake that could have happened to any of us. Considering the nature of her job, this issue is actually very common,” Akinaka said.

He urged a fair investigation, emphasizing that the President should consider her intentions when evaluating the case and appealed for leniency.

“All I am saying is that if the money allegedly embezzled can be accounted for and was used for good Intentions, Mr president should please forgive her and if it is proven otherwise, she can be sacked. Mr president should also consider that she is the best at what she does.”