CRSIGM Holds Press Conference, Appeals to President Tinubu To Reinstate Dr. Betta Edu As Minister

CRSIGM Holds Press Conference, Appeals to President Tinubu To Reinstate Dr. Betta Edu As Minister

The Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum, yesterday, 15th April, 2024, held a press conference at Tolin Conference Hall, MCC Road, Calabar, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to reinstate Dr. Betta Edu as Minister of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. 

The forum, with Evangelist Stephen Atukanre as State  Chairman and Rev. Dr. Edet Okon as Secretary, emphasized Dr. Edu's dedication to the "Renewed Hope Agenda" and her exoneration by the EFCC of corruption allegations.

In their statement, CRSIGM highlighted Dr. Edu's exemplary service in uplifting the less privileged and urged President Tinubu to consider the impact of her suspension on millions of Nigerians who rely on her initiatives. They questioned whether the administration's integrity should be compromised over mere suspicions, emphasizing the need for fairness and justice.

The forum pledged unwavering support to President Tinubu and Governor Senator Prince BASSEY Edet Otu's administration while also advocating for accountability, good governance, and the security of Nigerians.

According to Bishop Dr. Martin Aqua, JP, the appeal came amidst growing concerns over the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu and its implications for poverty alleviation efforts in Nigeria. He urged President Tinubu to stand firm in his decision to transform the country by working with capable hands, lending his voice in the call for the reinstatement of Dr. Edu to continue her commendable work for the nation's progress and prosperity.

Below is the full text:

"PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE CROSS RIVER STATE INDIGENOUS GOSPEL 

MINISTER (CRSIGM) FORUM HELD AT CULTURAL CENTRE COMPLEX, CALABAR 

TODAY APRIL 11TH, 2024 TO APPEAL TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU 

GCFR TO CALL BACK DR. BETTA EDU TO WORK HAVING BEEN PRELIMINARY 

CLEARED BY THE EFCC OF ANY CORRUPTION AGAINST HER.

Gentlemen of the Press.,

You are welcome to this Press Briefing to state our position as members of the 

Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum as it concerns 

Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian 

Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, through an open letter to H.E President Bola 

Ahmed Tinubu GCFR., President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces 

of Federal Republic of Nigeria, today the 11th day of April in the year of our 

Lord, 2024.

Let's use this opportunity to wish our President and dear Muslim faithfuls, Happy 

El'del Fitri as we continue to pray for the unity and progress of Nigeria.

As you are aware, the Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) 

Forum is a religious body saddled with the responsibility to preach Christ's 

salvation and champion a new and positive path to better Society, walking in 

the tenet of our Lord Jesus Christ for mankind.

We have been organizing monthly state prayers for the government of Senator 

Prince BASSEY Edet Otu, Political and Religious Leaders, Cross Riverians and by extension, Nigeria for peace, unity and progress, as we have embarked on a 

State-Wide Evangelism across the 18 Local Government Areas to preach the gospel of Christ and kick against societal vices, holding unto God as the Author and finisher of our faith.

We are here today for just one purpose; to draw the attention of His Excellency, 

President BOLA Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to the plight of the down trodden 

Nigerians who had looked upon the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and 

Poverty Alleviation under the watch of Dr. Betta Edu, a brilliant and selfless 

young Nigerian who walks with the aspiration of millions of the poor in all 

ramifications and had given hope to the hopeless through the "Renewed Hope 

Agenda," of our dear President Tinubu, in the course of her duty, drawing 

hatred and envy to herself simple because she's doing the right thing.

Let us not join issues with politicians and their pulldown syndrome as clearly 

shown by some of us, if it's not me, may it never work

Sorry, to the Fourth Estate of the Realm as your job is more daunting, you are 

a reflection of the society you find yourselves in, and the effect of the Media on 

society. Some of you have allowed yourselves to be agents of disgruntled 

elements to see nothing good in "Good Intention and Hard work." But we must 

commend majority of you doing your Constitutional task daring the 

consequences. May God bless the works of your hands and your endeavours.

Our position as Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum 

having watched the ordeal of Dr. Betta Edu and the politics behind her travails 

is quite unfortunate and make bold to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

to listen to our prayers, thus:

I. Silence isn't golden at all times. Hence, it is our wish that Dr. Betta Edu 

should be recall to her Ministry to continue her good work to achieving 

the "Renewed Hope Agenda."

II. Should the baby be thrown with the bath water because the water is 

dirty?

III. Should the Renewed Hope Agenda die with the aspiration of millions of 

poor Nigerians because of mere suspicion and allegations of corruption 

and still under investigation?

IV. It is not Dr. Betta Edu that is on trial here but the Administration. Hence, 

we must wakeup against sentiments and playing to the gallery for a few 

disgruntled elements to the detriment of our people.

V. We have followed the political activism of President Tinubu and know his 

stand against social injustice as a result of minority tag or gender. Hence, 

why our appeal to recall Dr. Betta Edu back to her place of work to continue her good work. The Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum pledged 

her unalloyed support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Governor Senator 

Prince BASSEY Edet Otu of Cross River State as we hold both to the highest 

esteemed; but wouldn't stop to call them to order as it concerns good 

governance, accountability, security and safety of Nigerians for prosperity to 

strive.

God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Yours in-the-Lord,

Evangelist Stephen Atukanre. 

State Chairman, (CRSIGM)

Rev. Dr. Edet Okon

State Secretary, (CRSIGM)"