Yahaya Bello and Betta Edu: Corruption, Public Betrayal, and Hollow Praise for President Tinubu—They Should Be Reflecting, Not in Public Sight, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

The cases involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, have stirred intense public outrage and disappointment due to serious allegations of corruption and fraud that have severely damaged their reputations.

Yahaya Bello is currently facing criminal charges in two major cases involving an alleged N110.4 billion fraud and another involving N80.2 billion. These high-profile legal battles are not just about money—they represent breaches of public trust on a massive scale. The scale of the allegations—breaches of trust, the misuse of public funds, and corruption—cuts to the heart of the very moral fiber of governance. Public officials are supposed to serve the people, but when they betray this sacred trust, they do more than break the law; they poison the well of public confidence. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the involvement of such vast sums of money, coupled with suspicions of serious financial crimes, has left many Nigerians disillusioned with his leadership and governance in Kogi State. Furthermore, Bello’s past as a fugitive—having been placed on the wanted list for a significant period—adds a layer of hypocrisy to his current political involvement. In any normal environment, someone with such a history would be hiding in shame, not playing political games. The irony of his current public position, after such a tumultuous past, further erodes the trust that Nigerians should have in their leaders.

Similarly, Dr. Betta Edu, who was removed from her position as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation due to her alleged involvement in a N44 billion fraud, is embroiled in scandal. The accusations of embezzlement and money laundering, especially concerning funds that were meant to aid the most vulnerable Nigerians, are deeply troubling. Dr. Edu, as the head of the ministry responsible for addressing poverty and alleviating humanitarian needs, was in one of the most powerful positions to make a tangible impact on the lives of the most vulnerable. But instead of fulfilling this solemn duty, she is accused of embezzling the very funds intended to provide food and relief to Nigerians who were suffering. Her removal from office and the subsequent public outcry are evidence of the deep sense of betrayal felt by millions of Nigerians. This scandal is particularly egregious because it involves money that was supposed to be used to alleviate poverty, at a time when many Nigerians were struggling to put food on their tables, a reality that Dr. Edu was supposed to help address. The damage done by these actions is not only financial but moral. It is a deep betrayal of the very people she was meant to serve. Dr. Edu should be in hiding, reflecting on her actions and the devastation she caused. Instead of talking about recovery and hope, she should be reflecting on her own failure—an ethical failure of epic proportions—especially when the nation is in dire need of help and the very funds she misappropriated could have made a significant difference in the lives of the poorest Nigerians.

The Hollow Calls for Hope: A Leader’s Disconnected Message

Dr. Edu recently called for Nigerians to embrace 2025 as a year of restoration and prosperity, expressing unwavering faith in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In her New Year message, she urged citizens to remain hopeful despite the ongoing economic challenges, reassuring them that President Tinubu’s good intentions would eventually yield positive outcomes. She emphasized that Nigeria is nearing the end of its difficult times, describing 2025 as a pivotal year for growth and prosperity, where hard work and shared opportunities would lead to collective success.

While her words may appear optimistic on the surface, they ring hollow and deeply disconnected from the reality millions of Nigerians face. Nigerians are suffering from deep hunger, economic pain, and widespread poverty, and yet here is a former minister who allegedly stole public money that could have alleviated some of that suffering. Dr. Edu’s rhetoric of hope is at odds with the harsh and painful reality in which Nigerians are living. The call for a hopeful future feels not only tone-deaf but downright insulting when those who should have been the very architects of that hope are instead accused of contributing to the despair.

Dr. Edu’s actions demonstrate a fundamental failure of leadership. How can a leader who stole money meant for the hungry call on people to hope for a brighter future? Her message is disconnected from the basic human needs of those she was meant to serve. The very funds that could have alleviated some of the pain Nigerians are enduring were misappropriated for personal gain. The lack of moral clarity and integrity in her words is palpable, and it speaks volumes about her understanding—or lack thereof—of the situation Nigeria is facing. In times of national hardship, those in positions of leadership should demonstrate not only humility but also a deep understanding of the gravity of the challenges the people face. Instead, Dr. Edu’s message comes across as an attempt to deflect responsibility and shift the narrative away from her own guilt.

The Right Time to Speak: Reflection in the Face of Tragedy

Let us get this right: as a psychologist, I am not saying people should not talk, but not in times like these. Nigerians are literally dying of hunger and facing severe economic hardship. President Tinubu just spoke about the deep pain many Nigerians are experiencing in his New Year speech, yet these two political leaders allegedly stole public money that was meant for food and humanitarian aid. Given this context, their continued public appearances and calls for hope come across as nothing more than a slap in the face to the millions of Nigerians who are struggling to survive. In times like these, they should retreat from the public eye and reflect on the harm they have caused. The very funds that could have alleviated some of the pain that Nigerians are enduring were misappropriated for personal gain. Therefore, they should go hide and allow the justice system to take its course.

The Nigerian Public’s Problematic Celebration of Corruption

There is a troubling attitude in Nigeria where the public tends to celebrate the release of the rich and powerful, especially when they are granted bail or released from prison, regardless of the serious allegations against them. This “celebration” of individuals who should otherwise be reflecting on their moral and legal accountability only perpetuates a culture of impunity. The Nigerian people must change this attitude. We must stop idolizing those who have misused public trust for personal gain, and instead, we must demand accountability and integrity from those in power. It is time to break this cycle of celebrating criminality and embrace a culture where leaders who violate the public trust are held responsible for their actions.

The Media’s Role: A Duty to Reflect on Ethics

The Nigerian media must also reflect on its role in this narrative. Not all media outlets are easily compromised, and they have a duty to report the truth, but they must also remind Nigerians of the ethical implications of celebrating these two individuals. The media, in its coverage, must not allow these figures to escape the moral judgment they deserve. In fact, they are undermining the efforts of the EFCC, the legal system, and the Nigerian people. By continuing to elevate these individuals, the media sends the message that the powerful and rich can evade justice. It is crucial that the media remind Nigerians who these individuals really are ethically. Public figures accused of such serious crimes should not be allowed to speak unchecked, as it sends the wrong message to the youth and the future generations of Nigeria. It is not just damaging to the political discourse—it undermines the country’s moral fabric. When the media fails to hold those in power accountable, they become complicit in the perpetuation of injustice.

Undermining the EFCC, Legal System, and Society

In fact, by continuing to speak out and participate in public discourse, both Bello and Edu are undermining the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the legal system, and the people of Nigeria. Their actions suggest that they are still close to the corridors of power and immune from the legal consequences of their actions. This sends a dangerous message to the public—that powerful figures can get away with financial crimes, subverting justice and accountability. Even more concerning is that the media, which plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, should be ashamed of taking up their messages at this time. The glorification or even passive acceptance of such individuals is harmful to the youth and future generations of Nigeria. It sets a dangerous precedent, encouraging future leaders to think they can act with impunity, regardless of the damage they cause. It is not good for the country’s moral fabric, nor is it something we want to model for our children and youths.

A Humble Call for Reflection: Time to Retreat

Both individuals—Bello and Edu—should, in a sense, demonstrate humility and retreat from the public spotlight—not only to allow the legal process to unfold but also to acknowledge the breach of trust they have committed. Public officials, particularly those in positions of power, are entrusted with the well-being of the people. When they abuse this trust, it goes beyond legal ramifications—it undermines the moral integrity of society. Their continued public prominence, in light of such serious accusations, can be seen as a sign of arrogance, suggesting that they fail to fully recognize the gravity of their actions.

In normal climates, these two individuals would hardly be heard of. Their credibility would be so severely compromised that they would not dare to publicly support a national figure, let alone align themselves with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Instead, they would likely retreat from the limelight, allowing the justice system to determine their fate. Their continued public appearances, including their mention of President Tinubu’s policies, are not only unfitting but are a form of self-diminishment. In fact, they are shaming the president by association, as their alleged actions directly contradict the very principles of transparency, integrity, and public service that the president is striving to uphold.

Reflecting on Leadership: A Responsibility to the People

For Yahaya Bello, who publicly expressed his strong support for President Tinubu’s policies, the current stage of his legal and political journey should prompt him to take a step back. He recently visited the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland’s palace after being granted bail, where he emphasized unity and the importance of supporting the president’s vision for the country. While Bello urges patience for the president’s policies, which he believes will lead Nigeria to prosperity, his own actions stand in stark contrast to the ideals of leadership and integrity he claims to support. After being a fugitive for so long and now playing political games, he should be reflecting on his moral and psychological position before encouraging others to trust in his leadership.

The expectation is that those facing such grave allegations, especially former public officeholders, should step back from the public eye to reflect on their actions and allow the justice system to take its course. By doing so, they would demonstrate respect for the law and for the Nigerian people, who deserve to see integrity and accountability restored in their leaders. In both public and private spheres, their behavior should reflect the humility that the weight of their accusations demands. Only through such reflection can they begin to rebuild trust with the Nigerian people and restore some sense of moral integrity to Nigerian leadership.

So, here’s a thought: instead of parading around in public, maybe it’s time for a little break from the limelight. Spend more time in your lawyer’s office, or with your priest, pastor, or imam—spiritual guidance might be what’s really needed here. Or, better yet, stay indoors and reflect quietly. Nigerians are hungry, and let’s face it—an angry person is a hungry person. The last thing the people need is more political theater. Time to get off the stage and give the people what they really deserve: justice, and maybe a little peace of mind.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic/clinical psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more. and is currently an online faculty member at ISCOM University, Weldios University and Walden University.