Betta Edu: Tinubu must thwart growing power cartel in his govt – Ndume

• Ndume said the swift suspension of Edu was an indication that Tinubu wax serious about tackling corruption

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, says there is an incipient power block seeking to control things in president Bola Tinubu’s government.

This is as he hailed Tinubu for suspending the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, over corruption allegations.

He, however, charged the President to move against emerging political cartel, warning that it may be worse than a cabal and destabilise his government if unchecked.

Ndume stated that there could be more to the alleged fraud committed by the Minister, noting that it may not be an isolated case

The Borno South senator maintained that for Tinubu to succeed and deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda, some tough decisions must be taken and some elements curtailed within the administration.

Speaking with newsmen on Monday, Ndume said the swift suspension of Edu was an indication that Tinubu was serious about tackling corruption and eliminating waste within the administration.

Ndume said the move will restore confidence in his government and Nigerians will begin to take his administration seriously.

He said, “What President Tinubu has done is very timely. The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs is a welcome development. It will allow the relevant agencies to conduct a proper investigation.

“Some people in the same position Tinubu is would not have acted. But as a leader who is in charge, he acted swiftly and the minister has been suspended. We should commend the President. This is something Nigerians should commend.”

He, however, added, “But the President should not stop there. There is an emerging political cartel within the corridors of power. The President must act swiftly and dismantle the cartel.

“If they’re not stopped, they’ll be stronger and worse than the cabal. The President must not allow that to happen. I don’t think what the minister did was an isolated case. I don’t think she acted alone.

“The President needs to look deep and flush out those involved in mismanaging the funds meant for humanitarian assistance. We’re hopeful that the President will take more decisive actions in the future.”