Arewa Group urges Speaker, Abbas to sack SLA, Ogbeche over appeal seeking for Edu’s reinstatement 

http://www.newsportng.com.ng Arewa Awareness on Good Governance, a non-governmental organization promoting transparency and accountability in governance, has strongly condemned the call by Hon. Cecelia Ogbeche Odok, Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker, House of Representatives, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.

In a press statement signed by its spokesperson, Grema Ibrahim Musa, the group described Ogbeche’s appeal as “misplaced” and “emotional,” urging her to respect the President’s decision-making process and allow due process to unfold.

The group argued that Dr. Edu’s suspension was necessary to investigate allegations of serious fraud, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. “The suspension is a crucial step towards unraveling the truth and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” the statement read.

Arewa Awareness on Good Governance expressed concern that Ogbeche’s emotional appeal overlooked the gravity of the allegations against Dr. Edu, including approval of funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for ministry staff to Kogi State, which has no airport.

“We question the integrity of Hon. Ogbeche Odok’s appeal, especially considering her principal’s legislative achievements. What has she done to benefit Nigerians?” Grema Ibrahim Musa asked.

The group demanded that Hon. Ogbeche disclose the number of bills sponsored by her principal, benefiting Nigerians, since assuming office. “Instead of making emotional appeals on issues outside her scope, she should focus on delivering her responsibilities efficiently,” the statement added.

Furthermore, Arewa Awareness on Good Governance called on the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, to sack Hon. Cecelia Ogbeche Odok within the next 7 days for allegedly failing to discharge her duties efficiently and promoting corrupt practices.

The group warned that if President Tinubu recalls Dr. Edu without resolving the allegations, it would undermine his authority, damage Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, and erode public trust.

“Dr. Edu, like all citizens, is not above the law. She must face the consequences of her actions, just as others have for similar offenses. The allegations against her warrant thorough investigation, and her suspension prevents potential interference or obstruction. Ignoring these allegations would undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and erode public trust.

 

“The question that every Nigerian must equally ask at this critical time is, if Ms Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Program Agency could not be recalled, over alleged financial malfeasance, why then must Edu be reinstated?

 

“Betta Edu, while serving as minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, in her corrupt practices also approved funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for the ministry’s staff to Kogi — a state with no airport. Is this the humanitarian that Nigerians need at this critical time?

“The Arewa Awareness on Good Governance wish to categorically state that, peradventure president Bola Ahmed Tinubu falls for this emotional appeal, we will be left with no option than to support a pro-people government, come 2027.

“What this means is that the president has betrayed our trust following the promise given to Nigeria s that he will rid the country of corrupt practices and run a people’s centred government. We will also be left with no option than to stage a nationwide protests, picketing the various government agencies in Northern Nigeria.

“In conclusion, upholding accountability and transparency is paramount. Dr. Edu’s suspension should stand until the investigation is concluded, ensuring that justice is served, and Nigeria’s integrity is maintained,” the statement emphasized.