In a heartfelt appeal, the leadership of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno and Niger states has urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Dr. Betta Edu as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The IDPs believe her reinstatement would significantly reduce their suffering.
The IDPs fondly recall the transformative period during Dr. Edu’s tenure, highlighting the positive impact she had in just four and a half months.
Speaking at the Muna IDP camp in Maiduguri, which hosts over 52,000 displaced persons, Usman Monguno, an IDP for five years, praised President Tinubu for his dedication to uplifting vulnerable Nigerians.
He pleaded for Dr. Edu’s return to office, stating, “Her visit to us when she was in office as Minister was reassuring, and her track record clearly showed she is deeply committed to executing His Excellency’s mandate in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Monguno continued, “Here is a minister who exudes empathy, love, and care for vulnerable Nigerians.
I remember how she personally interacted with us, mingled with us, and supervised the distribution of relief materials. Dr. Edu did not only give us hope but also a new lease of life. I can never forget that memorable visit.”
Another IDP, Kashim Muhammed, expressed optimism about Dr. Edu’s potential reinstatement, emphasizing that she has not been indicted or convicted by any court.
“Her continuous suspension is causing great setbacks to Mr. President’s poverty alleviation agenda. Dr. Edu’s achievements during her short stay in office reassured vulnerable Nigerians that the government has not and will not abandon them.”
Abdullahi Ndako, speaking on behalf of 22,000 IDPs in Niger state, recounted the challenges faced when his community was overrun by bandits.
He stressed that reinstating Dr. Edu would be the greatest gift President Tinubu could give.
“Few days after she was appointed Minister, Dr. Edu stormed Niger state with a message of renewed hope. She came to renew our sagging hope, bringing empathy, care, love, and relief materials.”
Amina Muhammed, a mother of three, lamented the current conditions in the IDP camp, attributing the decline to Dr. Edu’s absence.
“When she visited, she saw our condition and promised that our woes would soon be over. It is sad that she is not in office to fulfill her promise.
I’m begging our Jagaban (President Tinubu) to reinstate the Hon. Minister to office; we miss her.”
