…to submit more damning reports to Tinubu, EFCC, ICPC
The Young Progressives Party, YPP, yesterday, disclosed of a mega protest march on January 18, 2024, to press home their demand for the immediate suspension and investigation of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo over alleged abuse of office.
This is just as the opposition party have disclosed that during the protest it would in strong terms condemn the unacceptable corruption scandal and submit more facts on the minister to President Tinubu, the National Assembly, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The YPP had in a petition dated January 10, 2024, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, which was signed by its National Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, made their demands on the grounds that Ojo lacks the integrity to continue to be in office while the investigation on his allegations goes on unhindered.
According to Amakiri, the allegations are heavy and huge, hence Tinubu should not delay to suspend him.
The petition is on the heels of N438.1 million allegedly paid to Ojo’s New Planet Project Limited by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under the leadership of Dr Beta Edu.
He said: “The Young Progressives Party, YPP, as party committed to promoting accountability, and good governance, hereby submit this petition against Mr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, citing abuse of office.
“We have gathered evidence that a company owned by Mr Tunji Ojo, New Plant Project Limited was paid a total sum of N438.1 million by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under the leadership of Dr Beta Edu, for consultancy services. This payment was part of the N3 billion awarded to several consultants for the National Social Register contract, which was intended for cash transfers and social investment programmes.
“The payment made to Tunji Ojo’s company, New Planet Project Limited, include N279 million for the verification of the list and an additional N159 million for the same purpose. It is worth noting that the company, which was registered March 3, 2009, with registration number 804833, has Minister Tunji Ojo and his wife Abimbola, listed as directors with Gbadamasi Gbadamasi Clement as company’s secretary.
“We strongly believe that Minister Tunji Ojo’s actions are in direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the Code of Conduct law. Sections 5 and 6 of the Code of Conduct law clearly prohibits public officers from engaging in conflicts of interests and participating in any business other than farming.
“It is a known fact that contact of this magnitude could not have been approved except by the Federal Executive Council, which Minister Tunji Ojo is a member.”
The petition also accused him of deceiving the FEC to approve the contract to his own company, and therefore described his actions nas pretentious and mischievous.
The petition further insinuated that the Minister must have obtained the contract through his former aide and National Programme Manager for Grants for Vulnerable Groups, Thails Apalowo, while he (Ojo) was serving as a federal lawmaker representing Akoko North Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the following demands were made by the YPP in the petition: “The immediate suspension of Minister Tunji Ojo to prevent any further abuse of office; The conducting of a comprehensive and independent investigation into the alleged misconduct, involving appropriate authorities and agencies.
“Initiating appropriate legal actions against Minister Tunji Ojo if found guilty of abusing his position; The support of a massive advocacy march on Monday January 16, 2024 to further amplify these demands; The consideration of any other demands or measures that may be necessary to effectively address this issue.”
In conclusion, the party added that, “As the President, we trust that you will give this petition the due consideration it deserves and take the necessary actions to uphold accountability and the rule of law.”
