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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) have praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent recovery of N30 billion in the investigation of suspended minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.
President Bola Tinubu had, on January 8, suspended Edu and directed the EFCC “to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transaction” involving her ministry.
The social investment programmes comprising the N-Power programme, conditional cash transfer programme, government enterprise and empowerment programme, and homegrown school feeding programme were put on hold after the suspension of the minister.
In an update contained in a bulletin, entitled: “EFCC Alert,” EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, was quoted as saying the commission was also investigating 50 bank accounts, adding that the N30 billion recovered is in the coffers of the Federal Government.
“We have laws and regulations guiding our investigations. Nigerians will also know that they are already on suspension and this is based on the investigations we have done, and President Tinubu has proved to Nigerians that he is ready to fight corruption.”
In a statement signed by Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani, the organisation expressed its admiration for the EFCC’s commitment to combating corruption, particularly within government ministries entrusted with poverty alleviation.
Rafsanjani stressed the importance of the recovery, stating it is crucial to hold accountable those entrusted with public funds.
He said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which should be focused on alleviating poverty, has, instead, become a breeding ground for embezzlement.
The statement comes as Nigeria grapples with alarming poverty statistics, with approximately 104 million citizens living below the poverty line, according to World Bank data.
Rafsanjani lamented the detrimental impact of corruption on the nation’s development, urging for intensified efforts to recover stolen assets and prosecute those responsible.
“With poverty rates soaring and resources being misappropriated, it is imperative the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies continue to pursue justice and ensure looted funds are recovered and accounted for.”
Rafsanjani further called for the promotion of the rule of law and transparency in anti-corruption efforts, emphasising the crucial role of accountability in combating graft effectively.
“In reaffirming our support for the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), we urge these agencies to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in their operations,” he said.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria urged stakeholders to join hands in the fight against corruption and to support the efforts of law enforcement agencies in upholding the rule of law and integrity in governance.
