The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has vehemently denied allegations connecting him to a company implicated in N438 million contract irregularities linked to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.
A leaked online memo suggested that a company allegedly owned by Tunji-Ojo received N438 million labeled as ‘consultancy fees’ from Edu. In response, Tunji-Ojo, in an interview on Channels TV on Monday, refuted the claims, stating, “I am not a signatory to the company.” He expressed shock at the allegation, clarifying that he resigned from his directorship about five years ago.
The minister acknowledged co-founding the company with his wife 15 years ago and confirmed his resignation in 2019 due to his political ambitions. Tunji-Ojo explained, “I and my wife founded the company 15 years ago. Well, in 2019, when I got to the House of Representatives, I won the election precisely, I made a change. I had resigned as director of the company to hold office.”
He further asserted that public service rules do not prohibit public officers from being shareholders. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that, since his resignation, he is no longer a signatory to the company.
Background: Betta Edu’s Suspension and Leaked Memo
President Bola Tinubu suspended Betta Edu from allegations of diverting over N585 million to a private account. A leaked memo also surfaced online, revealing that New Planet Project Limited received contracts worth N438 million as ‘consultancy fees’ from Edu.
The connection between this firm and Minister Tunji-Ojo has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. It prompts scrutiny into whether the minister may have misused his position to secure the contract. Tunji-Ojo, in his clarification, emphasized that there cannot be any conflict of interest, as he resigned from the company in 2019 and is no longer responsible for its actions.
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