The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate suspension, thorough investigation, and possible prosecution of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following startling revelations surrounding a lucrative contract awarded by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to Tunji-Ojo’s company, New Planet Projects Ltd.
New Planet Projects Ltd secured a contract worth N438 million, drawing the attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) towards Edu. The former health commissioner also allegedly awarded contracts to unregistered companies, adding a layer of controversy to the unfolding scandal.
The PDP, in a strongly-worded statement by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the misuse of public funds, describing it as inexcusable that ministers entrusted with the welfare of Nigerians would allegedly divert funds meant for the poor under the guise of a consultancy fee.
President Bola Tinubu summoned the Interior Minister to the Presidential Villa amid growing calls for his suspension. The PDP urged the president to take immediate action to safeguard resources intended for the poor by suspending the interior minister and handing him over to the EFCC for a comprehensive investigation.
The PDP challenged Tunji-Ojo to publish due process certification documents, job scope, and verification details for the alleged 11 million Nigerian households within a one-month timeframe. The party argued that the minister’s continued presence in office could reinforce suspicions that the APC administration is tolerating corruption.
The PDP asserted that the only way for Tinubu to restore confidence among Nigerians is to promptly relieve the Minister of Interior of his duties and initiate an independent inquiry into the N438 million disbursement. This inquiry aims not only to expose and prosecute those involved but also to recover and redirect the funds for the betterment of the Nigerian people.
