Mazoji Lauds Tinubu’s Suspension of Edu, Urges Wider Probe of Humanitarian Ministry

By Abdullahi Muhammad Sheka

Hon. Zaharaddeen Babba Mazoji, a former senatorial aspirant of PDP for Funtua Zone and a respected figure in Katsina state’s PDP, praises President Bola Tinubu for suspending Minister Betta Edu from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

In a statement, Mazoji, while appreciating the minister’s suspension, deems it insufficient. Tinubu has taken a step further by instructing the EFCC’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to investigate all financial transactions within the Ministry.

Edu faced criticism following a leaked memo on December 20, 2023, disclosing a transfer of N585 million to a private account. Mazoji laments the diversion of funds intended for lifting over 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, turning it into a source of personal gain.

Mazoji contends that Tinubu’s commendable suspension of Edu is belated, citing political appointments over competence as the root cause. He insists that Edu shouldn’t be the sole scapegoat, urging the investigation and prosecution of others who illicitly benefited from funds meant for the poor.

Highlighting the need for a comprehensive reform, Mazoji criticizes the Ministry’s transformation into a financial hub for those in power. He points to the ongoing investigation of the previous Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq, as evidence that urgent actions are essential.

Disputing Edu’s claim of distributing N20,000 funds during the Yuletide, Mazoji calls attention to the lack of evidence, implying the mismanagement of public funds.

He concludes by urging President Tinubu to scrutinize every sector for justice and transparency, ensuring the welfare of the poor.