Lagos: Traders , Women Groups, Religious Leaders Call For Betta Edu’s Reinstatement, Say ‘She’s Extremely Valuable’
President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has been urged to reinstate the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr Betta Edu submitting that her return to the cabinet will make her play an important role in easing things for the citizens cognizant of the economic hardships that Nigerians are currently facing.
Recall that she was suspended from her position as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management by President Bola Tinubu on January 8, 2024 , following allegations that she had directed the payment of the sum of N585 million into a private bank account.
Traders, women, youth leaders and religious leaders in Lagos state said Edu will help to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians being a young and passion- driven woman.
A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com quoted Chief Imam of Agbure Central Mosque , Ojodu Abiodun as submitting that the issue goes beyond mere obligation but speaks to moral and economic imperatives crucial for the country’s progress and stability.
He said: ‘At the heart of the argument for meeting Nigeria’s social intervention needs lies the moral imperative to uphold human dignity and social justice. Betta Edu deserves better because for the short period that she came to political limelight, she has paid her dues.
Every citizen, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserves access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Poverty, hunger, and lack of access to essential services not only undermine individuals’ quality of life but also erode the social fabric of the nation’.
He also warned that failure to address these pressing needs will make Nigeria risk perpetuating cycles of inequality and marginalization, and further widen the gap between the privileged few and the disenfranchised many.
‘And as it stands, the suspended Minister knows her onions, so am calling on President Tinubu to bring back the woman, Dr Betta Edu, so she can continue her good work’ he said.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Nwokolo, a business woman and a distributor described Dr Edu as an all -round humanist who should be reinstated.
She said: ‘ I have never met her but from what I read and watched on Television, she is a charismatic woman. Her compassion and humility made market women all over the country to love her. She has the solutions to the people’s social needs. So , am calling on the wife of the President, Senator Remi Tinubu to intervene and forgive her of the little administrative error she made’.
Alhaji Tunji Adunbarin, a pensioner, also noted that meeting Nigeria’s social intervention needs is essential for fostering social cohesion and mitigating the risks of social unrest.
‘In a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, disparities in access to resources and opportunities can fuel tensions along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. Social intervention programmes that target marginalized communities and vulnerable populations not only alleviate immediate suffering but also promote inclusivity and solidarity across societal divides.
By investing in the well-being of all citizens, Nigeria can build a more resilient and harmonious society, capable of weathering the challenges of the present and future, so I am begging President Tinubu to recall Betta Edu so the people can breathe again’ he said.
Cross section of traders at the Isheri,/Olowora market , Kosofe local government , unanimously echoed and begged President Tinubu to return Edu to cabinet so as to continue her good work.
The leader of the group, Alhaja Modupe Taiwo, said the little support they got from the Humanitarian Minister went a long way in helping their fellow traders who were before then feeding from hand to mouth.
They reminded President Tinubu that from an economic standpoint, meeting Nigeria’s social intervention needs is not just a matter of altruism; ‘it is a strategic investment in human capital and national development’ adding that they though appreciate the President but will however need Betta Edu to quicken the recovery.
‘Poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare and education hinder individuals’ productivity and potential, thereby stifling economic growth and perpetuating cycles of underdevelopment. On the other hand, investing in social intervention programmes yields substantial returns in the form of improved health outcomes, increased educational attainment, and enhanced workforce participation’ they submitted.
Alhaji Olajide Kilajolu who is an APC member, added that neglecting Nigeria’s social intervention needs can have far-reaching consequences for the country’s stability and security.
‘Economic disparities and social exclusion create a fertile ground for discontent and disenchantment, which can manifest in various forms of civil unrest, including protests, demonstrations, and even violent conflicts.
By addressing the root causes of social inequities and addressing the grievances of marginalized communities, Nigeria can foster a more stable , secure and an enabling environment for peace, progress, and prosperity’ he added-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
