President Bola Tinubu has called for an urgent meeting with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following revelations of a N438 million consultancy fee paid to a company associated with him.
The payment, allegedly orchestrated by suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, has sparked public outcry and calls for the suspension of Tunji-Ojo as well.
The company in question, New Planet Project Limited, secured a contract worth N3 billion from Edu for the National Social Register initiative, aimed at facilitating cash transfers and other social investment programs.
New Planet Project Limited received an initial payment of N279 million for list verification and an additional N159 million for the same purpose.
Social media has been abuzz with Nigerians demanding accountability, with some insisting that if Tunji-Ojo is found to be involved in corrupt practices, he should step aside just like Betta Edu.
Sodiq Tade emphasized the need for holding everyone accountable for the country to progress, stating, “For us to progress as a country, we must hold everyone accountable. Equally.”
Omotayo Williams echoed concerns about Tunji-Ojo’s alleged influence, stating, “It is also evident he (Olubunmi-Ojo) has used his position to influence his company getting the contract.”
The unfolding scandal adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding government contracts and raises questions about transparency and ethical conduct within the administration.
