The National Anti-Corruption Crusade Group (NACCG), has expressed confidence in the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr Betta Edu, describing reports against her as mere blackmail.
A viral document signed by the Minister and addressed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation had revealed that she ordered the payment of the money into one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private account.
The leaked document showed that the money was paid into Oniyelu’s account.
The minister’s media aide, Rasheed Zubair, had in a statement on Friday said the payment followed due process.
Edu had also, in a statement she posted on her Facebook page on Saturday, said the allegation was baseless.
NACCG President, Dr Bridget Hassan, in a statement on Monday, said Edu had already demonstrated a high-level of transparency and accountability with zero tolerance for corruption.
Hassan said it came to this conclusion after a thorough analysis of her time in office as minister, particularly the recent scandal rocking the ministry.
She said there is no iota of truth in the claim by disgruntled individuals and groups aiming to discredit Edu for exposing the fraud she met in the ministry.
Hassan noted that as a woman who has distinguished herself in previous assignments, the minister is very much on track in her current task and won’t be deterred by her detractors.
She, however, assured that Nigerians have nothing to fear, adding that Betta Edu would be proven innocent after the investigation by the Federal Government.
Hassan said, “We understand that many Nigerians believe and trust Betta Edu as a woman of impeccable character and high morals. She is loved by the majority.
“Her works speak for itself. A renowned philanthropist, Edu has taken her love for humanity to the next level as a minister, touching the most vulnerable Nigerians.
“Many of them are already worried about their fate should the minister be wrongly dismissed. But having carried out an extensive probe of the ministry, we say authoritatively that Edu is innocent.
“Nigerians have nothing to fear. The truth will prevail. Edu epitomizes honesty, transparency, and accountability. Those fighting her are against the progress of the nation.
“We, therefore, want to use this medium to urge the Federal Government not to dance to the tone of the enemies of the land beating the drum of blackmail. They are anti-Nigeria.
“We believe that at the end of the investigation, more revelations will emerge about Edu’s remarkable anti-corruption crusade. She has our support and that of millions of Nigerians.”
