Mixed reactions have continued to trail the allegation of financial misappropriation levelled against the the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu.
The latest is by the Arewa Integrity Group, which has raised an alarm over what it described as an attempt to implicate Dr Edu.
Politics Nigeria reports that Edu has been accused of diverting over N500 million of the N44 billion allegedly misappropriated at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
At a press conference on Saturday, the convener, Ibrahim Sambo, expressed concern over what it described as a well-orchestrated effort to disrupt the ongoing federal investigation.
Sambo commended Dr. Edu for her effort towards alleviating the suffering s of vulnerable Nigerians and urged her to stay focused amid the unfolding controversy.
“As you are all aware, there have been multiple reports on some unsavoury actions in one of the agencies under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This has led to the just and proper suspension of Ms. Halima Shehu, the former National Coordinator of the NSIPA,” Sambo declared.
“Rather than allow the Federal Government’s investigation to go on unhindered, there has been a well-orchestrated effort to muddy the water and create chaos at the entire ministry.
“It is a campaign based on deliberate falsehood and disinformation aimed at diverting the attention of the EFCC.”
However, the group lauded the EFCC for its prompt action in investigating the alleged fund diversion.
Sambo urged all individuals involved in the NSIPA fraud to come forward and be accountable for their actions.
“We boldly say that this vile effort to implicate the minister is an infantile blackmail that is doomed to fail,” he stressed.
