Betta Edu's Exit Confirmed Amid Financial Scandal

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Social Development, Betta Edu will not be returning to President Bola Tinubu's cabinet.

This announcement comes after Edu was suspended in January 2024 due to allegations of financial misappropriation within her ministry.

The confirmation of Edu's permanent exclusion from the cabinet was made by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

During an interview on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Onanuga stated unequivocally, "Edu is gone." He further clarified, "She's gone because her position has been taken over by somebody else, that's the man from Plateau [Nentawe Yilwatda] that's going there now."

This decision is part of a broader cabinet reshuffle initiated by President Tinubu, which saw the exit of five ministers and the nomination of seven new appointees pending Senate confirmation.

The reshuffle also included the suspension of Halima Shehu, CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA), who faced similar accusations of financial misconduct.

President Tinubu has tasked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with conducting a thorough investigation into the financial transactions involving Edu’s ministry.

However, as of now, the Presidency has remained silent on the outcome of the EFCC's investigation.