Tunji-Ojo Refutes N438 Million Contract Award Allegations, Declares Non-Signatory Status to Firm

In a recent development surrounding the ongoing scandal involving the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, finds himself refuting claims of his alleged connection to a company implicated in N438 million contract allegations linked to Edu. This revelation comes as a leaked memo circulates online, suggesting that a company reportedly owned by Tunji-Ojo received the said amount labeled as ‘consultancy fees’ from Edu.

Speaking out against these accusations during an interview on Channels TV on Monday, Tunji-Ojo vehemently denied any current involvement in the company, asserting, “I am not a signatory to the company.” He went on to express his surprise at the allegations, clarifying that he had resigned from his directorship in the company approximately five years ago. Additionally, Tunji-Ojo confirmed his role in co-founding the company alongside his wife and attributed his resignation in 2019 to his political ambitions.

“I and my wife founded the company 15 years ago. In 2019, when I got to the House of Representatives and won the election, precisely, I made a change. I had resigned as director of the company to hold office,” explained Tunji-Ojo. He further highlighted that, to the best of his knowledge, the public service rule does not prohibit public officers from being shareholders.

It is crucial to note that the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, faced suspension by President Bola Tinubu amid allegations of diverting over N585 million to a private account. The leaked memo circulating online revealed that a company named New Planet Project Limited had been awarded contracts amounting to N438 million as ‘consultancy fees’ from Edu. The connection between this firm and Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest, prompting further scrutiny into whether the minister might have misused his position to secure the contract.

However, Tunji-Ojo sought to clarify the situation in the Monday interview, asserting that he is no longer a signatory of the company since his resignation in 2019, coinciding with his election victory to the House of Representatives. He emphasized that with his absence from the company, there cannot be any conflict of interest, and he should not be held responsible for the actions of an entity he no longer actively oversees.

As the controversy unfolds, questions linger about the transparency of the contract award process and the potential ethical implications tied to connections between public officials and private entities. The public awaits further investigation and clarification on the matter, seeking to understand the full extent of any alleged improprieties and to uphold accountability within the government’s ranks. Infostride News will continue to follow and report on the developments as they unfold.