Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has vehemently denied allegations connecting him to a consultancy scandal involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria. Recent reports have implicated Tunji-Ojo, suggesting that a company linked to him received N438 million in consultancy fees from the now-suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.
Allegedly, the company in question, New Planet Project Limited, was contracted for the National Social Register project, a component of social investment programs for cash transfers, with contracts totaling N3 billion. Reports insinuated that Tunji-Ojo, as a signatory to the company, benefitted financially from these funds.
Addressing the Allegations, Tunji-Ojo refuted any current financial involvement with New Planet Project Limited during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He clarified that although he founded the company a decade ago, he resigned from his directorship role in 2019 when elected to the House of Representatives. He emphasized that he is now solely a shareholder, a position that is in compliance with legal requirements.
This controversy unfolds amid misconduct allegations against Betta Edu, resulting in her suspension by President Bola Tinubu. Among the accusations are directing public funds to a private individual’s account and approving questionable expenditures. Tunji-Ojo has called on relevant agencies to thoroughly examine the contract processes, underscoring the importance of adhering to due process and agreements.
