A human rights activist, Omotayo Williams, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The activist made the call on X on Tuesday after it emerged that a company linked to Tunji-Ojo got a N438 million contract from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under now-suspended Minister, Dr. Betta Edu.
The company, New Planet Projects Limited (RC No. 804833), has been under scrutiny since Tunji-Ojo was linked to it.
However, the minister said on Monday that he resigned as a Director of the company in 2019.
Reacting to the minister’s claims, Williams said the minister deserved to be suspended because of potential conflict of interest.
“Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo claims he is no longer a signatory to the account of New Planet Projects Ltd that got a whopping N438 million from Dr. Betta Edu is not acceptable.
“His wife is a Director of the Company.
“He also remains a key shareholder and person of significant influence.
“It is alleged that Bunmi-Ojo colluded with Betta Odu to divert more than half a billion to himself, of which a significant amount relates to “consultancy fees”
“If his activities are properly investigated, you can be assured, he will also have awarded a contract to Betta Edu from his own ministry in return or Betta Edu will benefit indirectly from this millions. Young ministers cutting deals and embarrassing the youths.”
He said that while Tunji-Ojo’s positive contributions have been notable, it should not be a justification to abuse his position.
“We are not calling for his suspension for being a ‘signatory’ to the company’s account, instead we are calling for his resignation for case of conflict of interest.
“It is also evident he has used his position to influence his Company getting the contract.
“We are also calling for investigation to unravel over dealings in the Betta Edu schemes that is not yet discovered, and possible prosecution.
“The only way to guarantee fair investigation is for him to resign or be suspended.
“We acknowledge his current efforts in the government, however corrupt individuals must be deal with decisively,” Williams said.