The Arewa Integrity Group has sounded the alarm over an alleged attempt to implicate the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, in the reported diversion of N44 billion at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
In a news conference on Saturday, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, the convener of the group, commended Dr. Betta Edu for her work to alleviate 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,” said Sambo.
However, the Arewa Integrity Group expressed concern over what it described as a well-orchestrated effort to disrupt the ongoing federal investigation.
Sambo stated, “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.”
He criticized the attempts to implicate Dr. Betta Edu, calling it a campaign based on “deliberate falsehood and disinformation aimed at diverting the attention of the EFCC.”
However, the group lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its prompt action in investigating the alleged fund diversion.
“We commend the EFCC for its efforts so far towards recovering the funds that were fraudulently diverted from NSIPA,” Sambo added.
Sambo further 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.