News
Edu Gate: Coalition Fault Attempt To Link Minister Tunji-Ojo to Fradulent Allegations
. ..Urges the public, media to desist from curating opinions and false hot takes on the Minister of Interior
A coalition of over 180 Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, identified as Civil Society Groups for Good Governance in solidarity, has refuted the incessant public opinion regarding the involvement of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a N438 million contract with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
In a press briefing organised in Abuja on Wednesday, the group amid the recent media campaign, mudslinging seeking for the sack of the minister, stated that he Hon. Tunji-Ojo remains one of the best-performing cabinet ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the President Bola Ahmed government.
The statement which was read by the President of the Coalition, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, the coalition emphasized the need to clarify situations, maintain decorum, and discourage biased perceptions.
” Our attention has been drawn to the recent allegations of fraudulent activities besieging the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and her minister, our concern however is the baton of judgement it has on other persons who are in no way connected to the allegations, hence the need for this press briefing with the above-mentioned subject matter.
“As watchdogs of the society, we are not partisan to social media judgement, court or condemnation, we do not buy into activities of keypad warriors casting aspersions; therefore, we condemn in all its entirety the discordant public opinion regarding the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’ involvement in the N438 million Humanitarian Ministry Contract and we aim to set the record straight for clarity and for the avoidance of public biased perceptions and judgement.
“It is a well-known fact that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has repeatedly exonerated himself, providing evidence, from any involvement in the controversial N438 million contract scandal related to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
“Additionally, the Minister, Mr. Tunji-Ojo, presented a certified document from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), confirming his resignation from the company five years ago. He has no business with the said company—absolutely no business—because he’s not involved in the day-to-day running of the company.
“He also does not pursue jobs for the company, does not bid for the company, and is not a signatory to the company’s account. May we reiterate that “HE IS NOT INVOLVED AND SHOULDN’T BE ROPED IN, THOSE INVOLVED SHOULD BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS ALONE.” He added.
Ogakwu noted Tunji-Ojo’s commendable efforts within a short tenure in office, emphasising his commitment to the Interior Ministry’s mandate and national development.
“While social media platforms have been rife with criticism, the Minister has shown exceptional leadership by spearheading significant reforms, bringing about efficiency and progressive change across various agencies under his purview,” Dominic added.
He urged the public to recognize the Minister’s achievements, citing instances such as the swift clearance of a passport backlog at the Nigeria Immigration Service and efforts to secure funds for prison inmates’ fines, which eased congestion in correctional facilities nationwide.
The convener concluded by commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response in suspending those directly involved in the sharp practices exposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, according to him, the act goes to show that the recent administration, is committed to nipping corruption in the bud to afford Nigerians and Nigeria the giant strides it deserves as part of its strategy in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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