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Betta Edu Disowns Groups Praying, Rallying on Her Behalf

Published

2 years ago

January 23, 2024

Eric

The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has disowned groups holding public prayers and protests in her support, declaring that she has not sent them.

President Bola Tinubu, on January 8, suspended Edu as minister over alleged financial impropriety, and directed an investigation into the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

Edu, through a statement by her media aide Rasheed Olanrewaju, maintained that she is confident and committed to the ongoing investigation initiated by the President, and cooperating fully with relevant authorities.

While welcoming the support from well-meaning Nigerians and groups since her suspension, the embattled minister noted that any activity road walk, protest or prayer session linked to her would detract from the commitment to the ongoing investigation.

She, therefore, pleaded with those behind the planned activities to stop, adding that she did not approve any.

The statement reads: “Following recent developments, I would like to thank various stakeholders for their immense support since the unfortunate chain of events at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Dr Betta Edu remains committed and confident in the investigative process instituted by President Bola Tinubu and is cooperating fully with relevant authorities.

“The Minister has however been made aware of several efforts by individuals, supporters and others to organise public prayers, road walks and or protests to show public support.

“We wish to use this medium to state that such efforts are not approved by her or any member of her team and should be discontinued forthwith because such efforts – no matter how noble the intent, could be seen as an attempt to pre-empt the outcome of the investigations, or can be hijacked by nefarious persons with ulterior motives.

“We kindly request that those with such plans should show their support by respecting the process and await the official findings and conclusions.

“Your understanding and cooperation are highly appreciated at this time. She is indeed grateful for the overwhelming support from Nigerians across all strata of society especially those most dear to her heart; the Poor and vulnerable.

“By God’s Grace, she will be back to continue her selfless service to humanity, especially to the poorest of the poor whose prayers have kept her strong thus far!”

News

Appeal Court Affirms Ruling Barring VIO from Impounding Vehicles, Fining Motorists

Published

3 days ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday upheld the judgment that stopped the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from seizing vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.

In a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, the appellate court found no basis to set aside the Federal High Court’s ruling of October 16, 2024, which restrained the VIO from harassing motorists.

The appeal filed by the VIO was dismissed for lacking merit. Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi delivered in the lead judgment.

The high court had earlier ruled, in a judgment by Justice Nkeonye Maha, that no law authorizes the VIO to stop motorists, impound vehicles, or impose penalties for alleged traffic offences.

The case arose from a fundamental rights suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) filed by lawyer Abubakar Marshal.

Marshal informed the court that VIO officials stopped him at Jabi in Abuja on December 12, 2023, and seized his vehicle without lawful reason. He asked the court to determine whether their actions violated his rights.

Justice Maha agreed and ordered the VIO and its agents not to impound vehicles or impose fines on motorists, describing the actions as unlawful. She held that only a court can impose fines or sanctions.

She ruled that the VIO’s conduct breached the applicant’s constitutional right to property under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 14 of the African Charter. She further held that the VIO has no legal authority to seize vehicles or penalize motorists, as doing so infringes on rights to fair hearing, movement and presumption of innocence.

Although Marshal, represented by Femi Falana, SAN, requested ₦500 million in damages and a public apology, the court awarded ₦2.5 million.

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services, its Director, its Abuja Area Commander at the time (identified as Mr. Leo), team leader Solomon Onoja, and the FCT Minister were listed as respondents.

They appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal.

News

Tinubu Nominates Ibas, Dambazau, Enang, Ohakim As Ambassadors

Published

3 days ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State and a former Chief of Naval Staff, as a non-career ambassador.

Tinubu also nominated Ita Enang, a former senator; Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State; and Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Minister of Interior and ex-Chief of Army Staff, as non-career ambassadors.

News

Senate Confirms Chris Musa As New Defence Minister

Published

4 days ago

December 3, 2025

Eric

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed General Christopher Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, as the country’s new Minister of Defence.

The announcement was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.

Musa, who retired from the military just 40 days ago, was nominated by President Tinubu on Tuesday to succeed former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on health grounds.

According to Onanuga’s statement, the Senate approved Musa’s appointment on Wednesday through a voice vote, following a thorough screening session during which lawmakers posed numerous questions.

“Senate confirms Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence The Senate has confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence. The Senate confirmed Musa on Wednesday via a voice vote after a rigorous screening session in which lawmakers asked him many questions,” the statement read in part.