As the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Hon.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, deepens in relation to a contentious contract at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Young Progressive Party (YPP) has taken a bold step by calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the minister.
In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu on Tuesday night, the National Chairman of the YPP, Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, raised concerns about the alleged involvement of Minister Tunji-Ojo in what the party describes as a "scandalous contract." The YPP contends that the minister's actions amount to an "abuse of office" and has urged President Tinubu to take decisive action within 48 hours.
The party went on to threaten that if Minister Tunji-Ojo is not suspended within the stipulated timeframe, it will mobilize youths nationwide to shut down Abuja on Monday, 15th January 2024. This ultimatum underscores the seriousness with which the YPP views the situation and highlights the party's commitment to holding public officials accountable.
The crux of the YPP's argument lies in the alleged payment of N438.1 million to a company owned by Minister Tunji-Ojo, named New Planet Project Limited, for consultancy services related to the National Social Register contract. The YPP claims that this payment was part of a larger N3 billion contract awarded to various consultants for cash transfers and social investment programs.
According to the YPP's findings, New Planet Project Limited, registered on March 3, 2009, with Minister Tunji-Ojo and his wife, Abimbola, listed as directors and Gbadamasi Gbadamasi Clement as the company’s secretary, received N279 million for the verification of the list and an additional N159 million for the same purpose.
The YPP contends that Minister Tunji-Ojo's actions violate the Nigerian Constitution and the Code of Conduct law. Sections 5 and 6 of the Code of Conduct law explicitly prohibit public officers from engaging in conflicts of interest and participating in any business other than farming.
The letter further accuses Minister Tunji-Ojo of deceiving the Federal Executive Council (FEC) into approving the contract without disclosing his interest in the New Planet Project Limited. The YPP characterizes this as deceitful, mischievous, and obtaining approval under false pretenses.
As the YPP awaits President Tinubu's response to their call for action, the situation brings to light the importance of transparency and accountability in government affairs. The outcome of this call for suspension will undoubtedly have significant implications for Minister Tunji-Ojo and may set a precedent for future scrutiny of public officials involved in similar controversies.
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