Senator Ali Ndume has issued a warning to Yilwatda, referencing the circumstances surrounding the removal of his predecessor as a cautionary note about leadership accountability.
Ali Ndume, the lawmaker for Borno South Senatorial District, has encouraged Nentawe Yilwatda, the newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, to use financial technology. This would help ensure that Federal Government initiatives reach vulnerable individuals nationwide.
The lawmaker, with over 20 consecutive years of experience in the National Assembly, cautioned the new appointee to be mindful of the circumstances that resulted in Betta Edu’s removal and to steer clear of similar pitfalls.
On Wednesday, Ndume joined other lawmakers in discussing the ministerial nominee from Plateau State during the screening process.
Questioning the nominee, Ndume highlighted that the humanitarian ministry holds significant importance since approximately 60% of Nigerians are living in poverty. He noted that this nomination occurs at a time when there is global concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Nigeria.
Ndume asked, “You are aware of the situation that resulted in your predecessor’s dismissal. Now, as the first man appointed as humanitarian minister, what immediate actions will you take to address both our current and potential future humanitarian crises?”
“Luckily, you’re an expert in ICT. What is your plan for accomplishing that? It will really reassure us.”
In response to Ndume and his colleagues who questioned him, the nominee stated that he would use technology and innovation to address the country’s humanitarian crisis.
Subsequently, Senate President Godswill Akpabio requested that the nominee take a bow.
Hailing from Plateau State, Yilwatda is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is also a community developer and serves as a lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Benue State.
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In 2017, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Yilwatda as a Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), assigning him to Benue State as the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Yilwatda last Wednesday to replace Betta Edu, who was suspended in January 2024.
A controversy arose surrounding Edu’s alleged involvement in the approval of N585,198,500.00 to be transferred into a personal account. However, she denied these allegations and stated that there were attempts to damage her reputation, insisting that she would not embezzle government funds.
Interestingly, Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, faced an investigation regarding the alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her time as a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Amid Nigeria’s unstable economy, soaring inflation, and deteriorating security situation, Tinubu— the former governor of Lagos—has encountered significant criticism regarding his ministers’ performance over the past 15 months since their appointment.
On Wednesday, the President responded to demands for a cabinet reshuffle by dismissing five ministers, reassigning ten others, and making seven new appointments.
