The Nigeria Women Arise for Democracy, a pro-democracy women group, has expressed its support for Dr. Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, amidst allegations of misappropriation of N585 million palliative funds.

In a statement by the National Coordinator, Princess Modupe Salau on Sunday, the group rejected the calls for Edu’s removal, describing the allegations as baseless and without merit.

The statement read, “Our organisation has closely monitored the developments surrounding the rumors of corruption in the disbursement of social intervention funds by Dr. Betta Edu. After thorough investigation and consideration of the facts, we find these allegations baseless and without merit. Dr. Betta Edu has been unwavering in her commitment to serving the Nigerian people, and her dedication to the welfare of citizens is commendable.”

The group commended Edu for her transparency, accountability, and dedication to the betterment of the lives of Nigerians.

It urged President Bola Tinubu to dismiss the unfounded allegations and disregard the orchestrated campaign of calumny against her.

The group emphasized the need to support Edu in her noble endeavors and called for the rejection of misinformation.

The People’s Democratic Party has called for the removal of Edu. Debo Ologunagba, spokesperson for the PDP, released a statement on Sunday, describing Edu’s remaining in office amid corruption allegations as “provocative.”

Ologunagba referenced a leaked memo revealing Edu’s directive to transfer N585 million to a private account, leading to severe public backlash.

The PDP demanded Edu’s immediate removal from office, emphasizing the gravity of corruption allegations.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre has also called on the Federal Government and anti-graft agencies to investigate the alleged fraud involving Minister Edu and her predecessor, Sadiya Farouq.

CISLAC Executive Director Auwal Rafsanjani emphasized the need to identify and investigate the alleged accomplices of both ministers to get to the root of the matter.

Rafsanjani stated, “The fraud allegedly perpetrated by both the previous minister, Sadiya, and the current one they worked with some people, where are those people? If we want to get to the root of this, we must get them investigated.”