The Federal High Court in Abuja, under Justice Nkeonye Maha, recently summoned Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, demanding a detailed account of how the ministry utilized N535.8 million for “school feeding” during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.
The controversial program, initially implemented by former Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq, drew public outrage due to the apparent contradiction of feeding students when schools were closed.
Despite criticism, Farouq proceeded to spend the allocated funds. The Kingdom Human Rights Foundation (KHRF) pursued a Freedom of Information Act 2011 inquiry to obtain spending details, which the former minister ignored until her departure in May 2023.
Describing the “school feeding” initiative as a “scam” and a “cover-up” for embezzlement, KHRF took legal action to compel transparency and make the spending details accessible to the public.
Given the change in ministry leadership, it would have been prudent for both the former and current ministers to jointly address concerns surrounding the controversial program.
A court summons solely directed at Sadiya Umar-Farouq is crucial for obtaining comprehensive answers and ensuring closure for the Nigerian public.
This case has garnered significant attention, marking the first instance in the Muhammadu Buhari regime where an official is being called to account for a specific aspect of duty.
It underscores the vital role of social advocacy and rights groups in democratic societies and emphasizes the underutilized potential of the FOIA in holding public officials accountable.
The significance of this case is heightened by the challenge of bringing Umar-Farouq to account within the political landscape of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which currently controls the Federal Government.
Commendations are extended to KHRF advocates for their persistence, urging them to steadfastly pursue the truth behind the school feeding program under lockdown until it is fully disclosed to the public.
