A coalition of civil society groups, led by the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiatives (EUYI), has condemned what they describe as a systematic relaunch into public life by the sacked Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction Affairs, Dr. Beta Edu, without clearance from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The groups also criticized her public appearances around the presidency, particularly with the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
Beta Edu was suspended in 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following allegations of diverting over 585 million naira into a personal bank account, a move that sparked public outrage and brought shame to the nation. The coalition, addressing a press conference in Abuja, expressed concern that the President, aware of the corruption cases against Edu since 2024, should have prevented his wife from publicly interacting with someone whose corruption cases remain pending.
Chief Kennedy Tabuko, convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups, who read the text of the press conference, stated that it is unfortunate that Nigeria is becoming a nation without justice or consequences for wrongdoing. He noted that abnormality is becoming normal, and norms are giving way to mediocrity.
Tabuko said: “For Beta Edu specifically, it seems not to be a mere relaunch but a comeback in a serious way, regardless of consequences. Worst of all, Beta is seen moving freely without shame around the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom we thought would fight corruption aggressively given her background as a pastor.”
He added that the EFCC has refused to disclose findings on corruption cases against Edu while arresting others for lesser crimes. The groups urged the President and First Lady to recognize that their body language matters, as public appearances with a sacked official facing charges project a negative image.
The coalition warned that Edu’s public appearances shame the nation and portray the APC as a party that encourages corruption. They noted that the sacked minister has been lobbying to attend serious government programs, which must stop to avoid rebranding Nigeria as corrupt.
The groups gave a five-day ultimatum for the EFCC to publicize findings on Edu’s case, threatening street protests if no action is taken. They demanded that until the case is resolved, Edu should not appear around the corridors of power. “Mr. President and First Lady should take note. A word is enough for the wise,” Tabuko said.
The coalition vowed to resist any attempt to take Nigerians for granted and insisted that the right thing be done within the confines of the law.
