Forum Decries Alleged N585m Scandal at Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
The National Youth Leaders Forum of Political Parties in Nigeria (NYLFPPN) has decried the alleged N585 million scandal in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
The Spokesperson of the forum, Comrade Eze-Onyebuchi Chukwu, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure adequate investigation and prosecution of anyone involved in the scandal.
President Tinubu had on Monday, suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, following widespread anger over an alleged N585 million scandal.
In a statement by Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said his principal directed a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged N585m scandal in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
He had also vowed to “decisively punish” those involved in any breaches and infractions unravelled during the investigations.
Chukwu, who is also the National Youth Leader, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said it is unfortunate that youths given opportunity to serve are abusing the privilege and discrediting others.
According to him, the unpardonable corrupt practices have eaten deep into the fabrics of the Nigerian public offices for so long. These become a culture that must not be allowed to continue under any guise.
He expressed the forum’s concern over the recent scandalous revelations as it affects a member of President Tinubu’s cabinet.
“We hope findings will be revealed further in the coming days. We want to condemn in its entirety the misuse of office by a supposed pride of the youth of this nation.
“It has been our desire to see that the youths return to power and as such pains us as a forum when a youth in power is found in this kind of mess.
“It is even more shocking that the names of the public officers mentioned so far are youth, whom more confidence is being reposed in by all the youths of Nigeria,” forum’s spokesperson said.
He called on the President to see to the logical, thorough and transparent investigation of Dr Betta Edu and other public office holders that had been fingered in the current scandal.
“If facts are properly established and they are found guilty, due diligence should be deployed for prosecution of everyone found wanting, without fear or favour in accordance to the law.
“We urge the President to sustain the tempo of his fight against corruption at all levels by showing Nigerians that it is no longer business as usual.
” We also use this medium to register our unalloyed loyalty and genuine support for President Tinubu in the steps he is taking to correct the many past wrongs of leadership in the country.
