The Nigerian presidency has confirmed that former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, will not be returning to President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
Edu was suspended from her ministerial role on January 8, 2024, following accusations surrounding an alleged N585 million corruption scandal.
The announcement came from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
Speaking on Sunday, Onanuga made it clear that Edu’s removal from the cabinet is permanent.
“Betta Edu is gone,” he stated emphatically.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu has appointed a new minister from Plateau State to take her place.
He explained, “Her position has been taken by someone from Plateau State. As far as this government is concerned, there is no place for her in this cabinet.”
The suspension of Betta Edu earlier this year shocked many Nigerians, given her influential role in humanitarian affairs.
Edu’s suspension followed an investigation into her alleged involvement in a N585 million scandal, which triggered widespread public outrage.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly initiated an investigation into the allegations, although the findings have not been made public.
Many Nigerians anticipated that Edu might be reappointed during last Wednesday’s cabinet reshuffle.
Rumors circulated that she could be making a comeback, sparking heated debates about accountability and transparency in government.
However, Sunday’s statement from the presidency has dispelled any speculation of her return.
In his interview with Channels TV, Onanuga suggested that the EFCC may have submitted a report to the president, which influenced his decision to suspend Edu.
“The EFCC has not shared what they have, but if you go by what the president has done, it shows that the EFCC must have submitted something that actually justified that suspension,” Onanuga stated.
Experts say that her suspension, and now exclusion, is a significant statement by President Tinubu, who has vowed to lead a transparent administration.