President Bola Tinubu on Monday suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Betta Edu, following widespread criticism over an alleged corruption scandal.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement issued to the press.

“In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect,” the statement read.

Reports indicate that last week, the minister was embroiled in a N585 million scandal after directing funds to be transferred into a private account.

Civil society groups including the Campaign for Democracy and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project called for a thorough investigation and immediate suspension of the minister.

The minister had claimed the N585 million payment was earmarked for vulnerable groups in select states and denied any wrongdoing.

However, the calls for her suspension intensified over the past few days, with many Nigerians demanding accountability.

President Tinubu has promised a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations and vowed to punish any culpable officials exposed by the investigations.

The suspension of the Minister signals the government’s commitment to probity and intolerance for corruption.