Pulse.ng : Focus On Your Job, Edu's suspension stands - Arewa Group tells Abbas SLA, Ogbeche

By Sani Idris

A group, Arewa Awareness on Good Governance, has urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen to sack his Senior Legislative Aid (SLA), Cecelia Ogbeche Odok, over her appeal to President Bola Tinubu seeking reinstatement of the sacked Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Beta Edu who was sacked over fraud allegations.

Spokes person of the group, Grema Ibrahim Musa, in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday, said Edu's suspension was a necessary step towards investigating the allegations against her.

He therefore said allowing due process to unfold is crucial towards ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.

Doing so, Grema said demonstrates President Tinubu's commitment to combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.

He noted that Dr. Edu, like all citizens, is not above the law and should 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.

"Hon. Ogbeche Odok's emotional appeal overlooks the gravity of the allegations and undermines the President's efforts to combat corruption. We must prioritize accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity. The Minister's suspension is not a political vendetta but a necessary measure to ensure justice and protect Nigeria's resources",he said.

Further, Grema said the question that every Nigerian must ask at such 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," he wondered.

He added that, peradventure president Bola Tinubu falls for the emotional appeal, the group would be left with no option than to support a pro-people government in 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,"he said.

Grema emphasised that recalling Betta Edu without resolving the allegations would have far-reaching consequences.

The consequences, he said would be;

1. It would undermine the President's authority and credibility, creating uncertainty and weakening the government's anti-corruption stance.

2. It would create uncertainty in the Ministry, hindering its critical work and impacting vulnerable populations.

3. It would damage Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts and international reputation, discouraging foreign investment and undermining national progress.

He therefore urged Hon. Ogbeche Odok and others to:

1. Respect the President's decision-making process. This means acknowledging President Tinubu's authority to suspend Dr. Edu pending investigation, trusting his judgment, and allowing due process to unfold without interference.

2. Support thorough investigation and accountability. This involves backing the investigation into Dr. Edu's alleged fraud and ensuring those responsible are held accountable, promoting transparency and fairness in governance.

3. Prioritize Nigeria's progress over individual interests. This calls on Hon. Ogbeche Odok and others to put Nigeria's well-being above personal relationships or loyalty to Dr. Edu, prioritizing the nation's integrity and progress and

4. The National Assembly should focus on supporting anti-corruption efforts rather than interfering with ongoing investigations.

5. Hon. Ogbeche's emotional appeal must be disregarded as the call is a misplaced priority, totally out of her scope of duty.

6. Hon. Ogbeche should publicly disclose the number of bills sponsored by her principal, benefiting the larger Nigerian population, since assuming office as Speaker's Legislative Aide. Instead of making emotional appeals on issues outside her scope, she should focus on delivering her responsibilities efficiently, especially during these challenging times faced by Nigerians, and

7. We as a group with millions of members across the 36 states of the Federation, call on the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, to sack Hon. Cecelia Ogbeche Odok within the next 7-days to serve as detriment to those who come on public space to defend corrupt practices. Ogbeche as far as we are concerned is a failure and disappointment to the Nigerian society.

"Ogbeche has failed woefully at the course of discharging her duty as SLA to the Honourable Speaker as no achievement could be traced to her as SLA, except causing problem for the Speaker who is always trying his best to help Nigerians address some common needs.

"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,"Grema said.