ATIKU LINK GBAJABIAMILA TO EDU SAGA

 

In a sharp rebuke of President Bola Tinubu's decision to appoint Betta Edu as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, former Vice President Alhaji Abubakar Atiku has not only called attention to the political motivations behind the appointment but has also raised questions about the role of Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, in Edu's Senate clearance.

Competing against Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, Atiku contends that Edu's suspension, though commendable, was a delayed response to a larger issue. The former vice president criticized Tinubu for prioritizing political affiliations over competence, leading to the scandal where Edu directed the Accountant General of the Federation to transfer half a billion naira into a private account for a ministry project.

Atiku pointedly questioned Edu's qualifications for the ministerial role, emphasizing her lack of experience in the development sector. He also highlighted the questionable involvement of Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila, who purportedly served as Edu's referee during Senate clearance.

The former vice president expressed concern over the potential conflict of interest and urged a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gbajabiamila's role in Edu's clearance process. Atiku insisted that such questionable appointments and practices contribute to the larger issue of systemic corruption within the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Expanding on the corruption narrative, Atiku accused the APC of weaponizing poverty and hunger, manipulating vulnerable masses and using poverty as a tool for official corruption. He called for a comprehensive probe into individuals benefiting improperly from funds meant for impoverished Nigerians and demanded the prosecution of those involved.

As the controversy surrounding Edu's appointment continues to unfold, Atiku's critique extends beyond the individual minister to address the broader systemic issues within the ruling party, urging a fundamental reevaluation of political appointments and an overhaul of anti-corruption measures.