Amidst the unfolding Bettagate scandal within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Arewa Citizens Against Corruption, an anti-corruption group in northern Nigeria, has cautioned against what they perceive as an “unholy dragging” and an “illicit media trial” of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and endorsed by Hussein Babangida, the national president of the group, concerns were raised about the potential disruption of the smooth operations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government due to unnecessary commentaries against Gbajabiamila.
The group acknowledged President Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability, evident in his prompt actions, including the suspension of the NSIPA National Programme Coordinator and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. They also noted the establishment of various committees to reform the Ministry and its programs.
“What else do these people want from the President? Why wouldn’t they wait until the various panels and the anti-graft agencies investigating the matter invite whoever deserves to give testimony in their course of investigations?
“In a space of one week, the EFCC has not only quizzed the suspended minister; they have also invited the immediate past minister, top directors, other officials of the ministry and the Accountant-General of the Federation.
“If they feel that Femi Gbajabiamila needs to answer questions to clarify some things or memos, they will surely invite him.
“You cannot lose elections and be going behind to instigate faceless groups to be dragging a man who is the engine house of the inner cabinet of Mr. President, where vital decisions and policies of this administration are formulated, for the betterment of us all,” the statement reads in part.
The Arewa anti-corruption group advised against distractions and urged attention to the testimonies of Humanitarian Ministry officials who asserted that the suspended Minister, Betta Edu, followed due process in fund transfers.
They stressed the importance of adhering to established processes within the ministry and financial regulations for MDAs.
