Pulse.ng : Authenticate your fight against corruption, fill in Betta Edu's vacant position, others within 7 days, coalition tells Tinubu

By Sani Idris

As the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) comes under attack with plans by some persons to stage a nationwide protest against the Commission, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make public findings on the investigation into some high profile cases.

The coalition also urged President Tinubu to authenticate his fight against corruption by filling in Betta Edu's position and vacant position within seven days.

The coalition, also kicked against Betta Edu's alleged background reinstatement.

On the backdrop, the coalition calls on the EFCC to make the corruption charges against Dr Betta Edu, to be made public to ascertain with certainty those behind stage managed protests against the EFCC

According to the coalition, it is necessary as the EFCC has accused some persons currently under investigation of inciting youths and the general public using social and mainstream media to poison the minds of Nigerians against the commission for daring to investigate their criminal enterprises.

In a statement issued to newsmen on Sartuday in Abuja, Convener of the coalition, Bashir Babatunde Abdulganiu, said Nigerians need to know the outcome of some high profile cases under investigation by the EFCC.

He noted that Nigerians deserve to know the outcome of some high profile corruption cases currently under investigation by the EFCC especially now that the Commission is crying foul over the attempts by some miscreants to stage a public protest against the Commission.

"The investigation into the allegations of corruption leveled against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu and that of Yahaya Bello, the fugitive ex Governor of Kogi State needs to be made public for us to ascertain with certainty those behind the stage managed protests against the EFCC".

The Coalition expressed worry that nothing has been heard about the investigation into the allegations against Beta Edu even as the embattled ex Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is already hinting at the possibility of retuning to power even as there are accusing fingers pointing at her possible complicity in the ongoing onslaught against the EFCC.

"It's been six months since President Bola Tinubu dramatically removed Edu from office amidst allegations of a cumulative ₦3 billion scandal and other unwholesome activities, yet the nation remains in the dark about the outcome of the subsequent investigation.

"With the EFCC pointing accusing fingers at some Nigerians under investigation for it's current predicament, it is imperative to ask what exactly become of her investigation and how does it fit into the present puzzle. Could she and other persons under the EFCC radar be staging a subtle attack on the Commission in a bid to discredit it and save face?", the release queried.

The right groups unanimously urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to do everything in his power to protect his legacy by making the findings on some of these investigations public to authenticate his fight against corruption and fill the vacancy created by the suspended Ministers within 7 days.

"As Nigerians, we need to know what's happening because the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has the potential to eradicate the suffering and hardships Nigerian citizens are currently passing through. It will be a big blow on the credibility of this administration if Nigerians are perpetually kept in the dark over sensitive issues like this.

"It is even worrisome that we have be inundated with rumours to the effect that Dr. Beta Edu is already telling her close allies that she has a close relationship with the President and as such, there's no cause for alarm. If she is reinstated then it means her claim is right and Mr. President is making a caricature of the fight against corruption.

"Betta Edu and her likes do not deserve to be reconsidered for any political appointment even at the ward levels not to talk of state or federal, the president has the duty to prove to the entire world that he is against corruption at any rate and since distance his administration from people like her and her co-travellers".