In the wake of the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, has taken charge as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The suspension of the minister, Dr. Betta Edu, came on Monday amid allegations of public funds being transferred into private accounts.
Enitan’s assumption of responsibility aligns with the directives issued by President Tinubu, who, through his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, instructed the suspended minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The official handover took place following the issuance of a letter from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Monday night. President Tinubu’s directive emphasized Edu’s full cooperation with investigating authorities as they conduct their probe into the alleged financial irregularities.
In response to the unfolding situation, President Tinubu has set up a panel, chaired by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, with the mandate to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs. The panel aims to initiate reforms in relevant institutions and programs, with the goal of eliminating institutional frailties and restoring public confidence in the initiative, particularly for the benefit of disadvantaged households.
As the investigation progresses and reforms are considered, the leadership transition signifies a pivotal moment for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The actions taken by the government underscore its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of vulnerable populations served by the ministry.
