In a stern statement released today, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the swift suspension, thorough investigation, and potential prosecution of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in connection with the reported misappropriation of N438 million designated for poverty alleviation. The alleged financial misconduct transpired under the oversight of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
In an official statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP deems it unacceptable that the two ministers entrusted with the welfare of Nigerians purportedly utilized a company with significant ties to the Minister of Interior to divert funds earmarked for impoverished Nigerians. This diversion was allegedly carried out under the pretext of consultancy fees for an unsubstantiated verification of households throughout the country.
The party is emphatically urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action in safeguarding resources intended for the welfare of the less privileged by promptly suspending the Interior Minister pending investigation. The PDP further advocates for the involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough inquiry, mirroring the actions taken with the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The purported denial by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo regarding his interest in the company, despite acknowledging substantial shares ownership, has left Nigerians dismayed. His alleged benefit from fraudulent consultancy fees only amplifies concerns of possible money laundering practices, consistent with the APC’s pattern of misusing public resources. Notably, there are allegations that a significant portion of the funds found its way into the private accounts of associates of prominent APC figures in the National Assembly and the Presidency.
The PDP challenges the Interior Minister to disclose due process certification documents, job scope details, experts and modules employed, and specifics of the purported verification of 11 million Nigerian households within a month. The party maintains that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s continued tenure as Minister of Interior aligns with the PDP’s stance that the Tinubu-led APC administration is conducive to treasury looting.
The PDP asserts that the only means President Tinubu can restore confidence among Nigerians is by promptly relieving the Minister of Interior of his duties and facilitating an impartial inquiry into the disbursement of the N438 million. This inquiry aims not only to expose and prosecute those implicated in the alleged misconduct but also to recover and redirect the funds for the welfare of Nigerians.
