‘She'll Learn From Her Mistakes’ — Femi Pedro asks Nigerians to give Beta Edu Second Chance

Dr. Betta Edu and Olufemi Pedro

Reasons why Nigerians ought to give Betta Edu another chance Pedro Femi

Olufemi Pedro, a former deputy governor of Lagos, has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians to extend an olive branch to Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to Blueprint in Abuja, Wednesday, Pedro said despite her presently being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over payment of public funds into a private account, “Betta Edu is a promising bright star who could have served this nation in higher capacities.”

He said: “I first met Betta when she was introduced to me as a candidate for Women Leader of our party in Abuja in early 2022. Shortly after, she was in Lagos on a courtesy visit and I immediately liked her style, her carriage and comportment. She exuded confidence, was articulate, knew what she wanted and appeared to me as focused, determined and ambitious. She later won the election and became the Party's Women Leader.

“Betta worked very hard during the campaign. She was everywhere mobilizing women, campaigned with the Presidential Campaign team all over the country, and attended most of the events. We also traveled together to attend the Chatham House event where she was asked to respond to a question by our Candidate and she discharged herself creditably.

“I wasn't surprised when she eventually became a Minister. Honestly, if I were the President, I would not have hesitated to also appoint her as Minister because she's not too young to serve as Minister. She's a qualified medical doctor, experienced enough as a former commissioner and women leader of our party, and has demonstrated drive, passion, and loyalty to qualify as a Minister.

Read: Suspended Minister, Betta Edu, Released On Bail To Report To EFCC Daily

“This is where I disagree with those who are tagging her as too inexperienced, too young and too green to be appointed Minister.

“This is as it should be. I hope and pray that at the end of the day, she would have learned a hard lesson on how to conduct herself as a public officer and navigate the banana peels in the corridors of power.

“Betta Edu is like a daughter to me and I feel really sorry for her for the mess she finds herself in. I asked myself what if she's my daughter? Would I disown her? She's a promising bright star who could have served this nation in higher capacities.

“This is as it should be. I hope and pray that at the end of the day, she would have learned a hard lesson on how to conduct herself as a public officer and navigate the banana peels in the corridors of power.

“We have all read about her wrongdoings and have all read about her wrongdoings and her suspension by the President and questioning by the EFCC.”