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| Shehu Sani |
Renowned civil society organizations and pro-democracy advocates, including the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, the Arewa Voters Assembly (AVA), the Progressive Action for Justice Unity and Democracy (PAJUD), and Shehu Sani, have strongly opposed attempts to tarnish the reputation of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, amidst the unfolding scandal involving the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.
Accusations have been leveled against the minister, alleging his involvement in a contracts award controversy at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. A leaked document revealed that New Planet Project Limited, a company founded by Tunji-Ojo, secured a N438 million consultancy contract from the ministry.
Denying any wrongdoing, the minister clarified that he resigned from the company in February 2019 when he assumed office as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives. Although he is no longer a director, he acknowledged being a shareholder.
Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, contended that Tunji-Ojo did not violate any law by maintaining shares in the company. Sani emphasized that there is no legal requirement for public officials to divest their shares upon assuming office. He pointed out that Tunji-Ojo had resigned from the mentioned company in 2019, averting any potential conflict of interest.
In a joint statement, the Arewa Voters Assembly (AVA) and the Progressive Action for Justice Unity and Democracy (PAJUD) criticized attempts to implicate the minister in the controversy. They highlighted Tunji-Ojo's dedicated efforts and achievements in addressing challenges within the Interior Ministry, citing his prompt resolution of the international passport scarcity issue.
Similarly, Ogakwu Dominic, Convener of the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, defended Tunji-Ojo, stating that the minister had clarified the situation and urged Nigerians to focus on his commendable initiatives in the Interior Ministry.
While addressing journalists in Abuja, Dominic commended Tunji-Ojo's commitment to national development and transformative leadership under President Bola Tinubu's administration. He emphasized the minister's efforts in steering various agencies under his purview toward progressive change.
The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for taking decisive action against the suspects involved in the controversy.
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