By Martins Ojeka
There are no ambiguities when the name Dr. Betta Edu is mentioned anywhere in the country regardless of recent happenings leading to her suspension and ongoing investigations into the NSIPA scandal by the anti-graft agency. There are no doubts that despite the media trials that swept across Nigeria, more so, because of the prevalent problems around the hardship being faced by Nigerians, nothing of substance and strength enough to nail the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation has been brought to the fore. Dr. Betta remains a true example of a set-up, a witch hunt or both.
Loved by many and loyal to the core, Dr. Betta stands out amongst many as a great inspiration to the youths and women of Nigeria. It was not just ambition that brought her to this height of achievement but character, commitment, competence and doggedness in pursuit of goals that are more general than personal. Among the many, she was one that almost all Nigerians knew would be appointed minister by this administration because of how she stood and fought for the good of the party and beyond that, for the unity she epitomizes. Such a person is an asset that cannot be allowed to take that backseat of governance, in any outcome.
For a woman who has shown exceptional qualities of character, integrity and goodwill, in all her past dealings and is fast becoming a role model for the upcoming women and young people in Nigeria, this setback is believed by those of us who know her, to definitely become a stepping stone to greater heights.
As the saying goes “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”, no one who has become an epitome of such grace that Dr. Betta embodies, has ever been left out of criticisms, mudsling, and even direct opposition as a result of envy. I have no doubt in my heart that Dr. Betta Edu is coming out free of every allegation of corruption and fraud, and above all be reinstalled to finish the good work she has started.
It is pertinent that I speak as one who knows who Dr. Betta is and what she stands for having known her closely and related with many who have worked closely with her in the past.
Dr. Betta Edu is that woman who looks beyond herself to the greater good of others. She is that person of absolute love, loyalty and deep respect for humanity. She is a true epitome of philanthropy and empathy, evident in her life growing up, through school days and as an appointee of the Cross River State government. The same unquestionable personality made her Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, give her full and necessary support making her rise through the ranks from being an aide to becoming a commissioner, a position she held with unmatched records of performance. The same quintessential character and persuasion are responsible for her rise to prominence within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to become the youngest National Woman Leader the party has ever had.
Many may have underrated such a huge rise to prominence, but I dare state that, this is only possible with one who has been tested, tried and trusted. She became the mother of all the women in the party at a very young age, yet her virtues of respect, honour and unwavering loyalty gave her a place among the high and mighty.
No doubt that with such a huge profile at a very young age, one would have unwittingly earned oneself a plethora of haters and envious people whose merchants would wait for a good time to strike. Dr. Betta has encountered her own fair share of the pie of hatred and envy that great people always have to taste of. It is amazing to note that after the suspension of the Honourable Minister and even up till now, the voices that accuse her have been drowned by the voices that stand in her favour.
Some of these include:
In the Business Day of 10th January 2024, Osita Chidoka posited that “The Betta Edu saga reveals deep systemic issues in government”
The publication made clear the systemic issues in government and not a corruption case against the Honourable Minister. The minister only approved of a memo that is seen as normal in all MDAs. She did not think she was doing anything out of the books, but when those who are after you start chasing, whatever they find becomes your albatross.
The Vanguard Newspaper on the 20th January 2024, has the following caption – “Alleged N585m fraud: Documents reveal Betta Edu’s adherence to due process – Lawyer
The article went on to show how the Honourable Minister followed due process in approvals. This revelation came from a legal practitioner and concerned citizen, Barrister Jim Ekpeyong, who is said to be conversant with modern administrative procedures.
While I would not try to pre-empt the results of the ongoing investigation, the voice of reason and true patriotism has given us a clear view as to the issues that befell the Honourable Minister.
Like they cried to Pilate in the days of Jesus – “crucify him, crucify him…” for a man who has done no wrong, we understand why the issues arise against her. Like the “Son of man”, she only helped the poor, checked in the needy, bound their wounds and gave them hope of a better tomorrow. Her vision to help change the lives of the helpless and ordinary citizens of her beloved country is at the core of her being. She still talks about it every day and in every conversation. Such passion is unequalled in our days. Her only crime was to make open and transparent, what others used opportunity to loot in the past. She created a verifiable and transparent register of Nigerians eligible for social welfare scheme in a very short time. Unlike in the past when billions of Naira was spent without any verifiable records, Dr. Betta has reached out to Nigerians, down to every Local Government Area and Ward, in poverty alleviation support schemes regardless of political leanings. She has treated all Nigerians as one. Her records are truly enviable within this very short period of serving as minister.
We now wait to see what the government will do in the coming days. Will an innocent hard worker and lover of Nigerians be thrown away and pushed under the bus, while those, who through corruption, have fought her, rejoice? Will the government of our Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu do the right thing to reinstate her to her place of passion for posterity and justice? We wait to see…
Chief Martins Ojeka, a concerned citizen and diplomat.
