- Ohanaeze youths, Metuh okay actions
- ‘Don’t give Betta Edu media trial’
Groups and highly-placed Nigerians have been commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approach to governance.
His policies and actions on the economy, politics and anti-graft battle have received kudos.
Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Youth Wing commended the President for being proactive in handling the allegations against top officials of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
The President suspended Dr. Betta Edu, the minister, over allegation of directing payment of N585 million vulnerable peoples’ fund into a private account.
The minister was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.
The Ohanaeze Youth cautioned yesterday against media trial for Dr. Edu. They advised that the investigation should be thorough and appropriate action taken.
Speaking at a news conference yesterday, the group’s National Youth Leader Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu also commended the President for ordering an investigation into allegations against the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Halima Shehu.
Okpalaezeukwu urged Nigerians to give those under investigation benefit of the doubt.
According to him, since the Accountant General of the Federation has said she did not honour the memo from the Minister, it may be out of place to accuse her of diverting public funds, while the issues against her could as well pale down to the propriety of routing the memo, and perhaps the request for the sum to be paid into a personal account of a Project Accountant.
He said if the Minister is found to have committed some administrative infractions and not necessarily monetary diversion, the President should review her suspension and allow her to continue as a member of his cabinet.
He said: “Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Youth Wing commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his adherence to the Rule of Law on this issue.
“We also thank him for setting up a presidential panel to investigate the veracity of the allegations instead of sacking her outright.
“Consequently, we hereby urged Nigerians to allow her fair hearing and let the ongoing investigation run its course without media trial.
“It is becoming clear that some persons are bent on bringing down the suspended minister.
“There is the need to find what the problem really was about the memo she put up to the Accountant General of the Federation, although, the Accountant General had said that she did not honour the payment.
“If that was correct and we also give her (Accountant General) the benefit of the doubt that she would not have lied, then the subject of investigation of the N585 million could as well pale down to the propriety of routing the memo, and perhaps the request for the sum to be paid into a personal account of a Project Accountant.
“That would only be a matter of administrative infelicity and not financial heists since the Accountant General had confirmed that she did not honour the payment.
“We are of the view that Nigerians should hold their peace during the pendency of the series of investigations, which we believe would either prove or disprove wrongdoing.
“As a young, vibrant and brilliant woman, Dr Edu had from the outset of her ministerial stewardship wormed her way into our heart as a result of her demonstrable commitment and zeal in applying herself to her assignment.
“Betta was entrusted with a Ministry as huge as the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and everyone can attest to the fact that she remains one of the best in the Tinubu-led Government, We must be careful not to throw away the baby with the bathwater”.
Also yesterday, a former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, commended the President for his performance in office so far.
Metuh canvassed full support for the President.
He said the President has demonstrated effective leadership in his style of governance by taking Nigeria towards the right direction.
In statement yesterday in Abuja, Metuh noted that in the last seven months of his administration, President Tinubu had proved himself as a proactive leader who has also shown respect for the feelings and sensibilities of Nigerians.
“In the last seven months, under the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there is renewed confidence in the Nigerian project, especially in observing best democratic practices. This government definitely appears to have regard for the liberty and freedom of individuals as well as for transparency and accountability.
“The most reassuring step is the genuine, determined and uncompromising fight against corruption and financial crimes in the country, different and distinct from a fight targeted at opposition figures whilst protecting and sparing those in the corridors of powers.
“Today, we see serving ministers and people who are holding top offices being removed from office and investigated for prosecution over corruption and financial crimes.
“In the past, the fight against corruption was merely a political cum campaign tool fueled with massive media trials and only targeted at diminishing opposition shinning talents. The fight against corruption is now distinctive to persons who have questions to answer and not a tool for persecution.
“More importantly, there is no more de-marketing of Nigerians and Nigeria as a nation by those who tagged our hardworking youths as lazy and tarred innocent and resourceful Nigerians on the international arena with the brush of corruption.
“Nigerians across board have applauded the unprecedented patriotic stand for good governance in cutting the cost of governance at the federal level reflected in the recent slashing of all official entourage to state and international events by 60 per cent.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated proactive leadership; a listening and approachable leadership that respects the sensibilities of Nigerians as well as the need to re-engineer our nation for greater multi-sectoral productivity.
“This uncommon patriotism requires the recognition and support of all well-meaning Nigerians within the public, private, and civil society sectors, irrespective of political, ethnic, religious or vocational affiliations.
“From that standpoint, I call on all Nigerians to set aside every sectional, political and religious sentiments and put the national interest first by supporting President Tinubu, bearing in mind that his success is the nation’s success today and for generations yet unborn.”
“Nigeria’s future is much better served by contributions, inputs and constructive criticisms as obligations and duties of responsible citizens in every participatory democracy.
“It is evident that there is a sure and steady move to where we want to be as a nation. This government, indeed, is reflective of a good work in progress. May God perfect our prayers for a great nation,” Metuh said.
THE NATION
