EduGate: It’s unfair to call for Tunji-Ojo’s resignation-Group

By Biola Adebayo On Jan 11, 2024

Betta Edu, Tunji-Ojo, resignation,Bola Tinubu, Contract, — Internal Affairs Minister, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has thrown its weight behind the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, saying his involvement in the alleged contract scam is aimed at smearing him.

The group expressed its concerns in a communique issued at the end of a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

The communique was signed by the Executive Director, NCSCN, Comrade Blessing Akinlosotu.

Akinsotu said that in less than three months, Tunji-Ojo had done a great deal of work and it would amount to smear campaign to link him to fraud.

According to her, the allegation against the minister is refutable.

“Today, it is evident that the ministers can deliver on their mandates; the Minister of Interior has proven that there is hope in the present government.

“Regarding the case of the Minister of Interior and the affected company, there is clear evidence that the minister and his wife have resigned from the Board of Directors of the company.

“It will be erroneous and out of place to expect a company established to render service and create job opportunities to be shut down just because a former director has decided to serve in the status of a public servant.

“We strongly frown at this mob judgment and call on Nigerians to refrain.

“The council also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s will to tackle insecurity; the council is confident that efforts of the president towards improving security and economic welfare of Nigerians are gradually yielding positive results.”

Akinlosotu, also commended Tinubu for the massive reduction in the size of the Federal Government’s entourage on trips as it would cut down the cost of governance.

“We hereby call on both the legislatures and the Judiciary to follow suit in other to save our economy,’’ she said.

It could be recalled that Tunji-Ojo is facing scrutiny following the controversy surrounding the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu’s alleged financial misappropriation.

A leaked document revealed that New Planet Project Limited, a company founded by Tunji-Ojo, secured a N438 million consultancy contract from the ministry.

In response, Tunji-Ojo denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he resigned his directorship in the company in February 2019 when he was elected as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives.