By Abubakar Yunusa
The leading Pan African Socialist Movement, the Progressive Students Movement (PSM), is urging President Bola Tinubu and anti-corruption advocates to investigate the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, regarding recent reports of a financial disbursement scandal involving the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.
The movement commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promptly suspending Dr. Betta Edu and urges anti-graft agencies to conduct further investigations.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja and signed by its President, Comrade Okereafor Bestman, PSM states, “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider relieving Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo of his appointment and subject him to further investigations for fairness and equity.”
He said a document available online indicates that Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo received payments of N279 million and N159 million from the suspended Humanitarian Minister, Dr. Betta Edu, through New Planet Projects Ltd, a company Tunji-Ojo significantly influences.
“While we acknowledge the Interior Minister’s efforts to improve our passport issuance system, it is not an excuse for corruption. Others could excel if given the opportunity to serve.
“Despite claiming not to be a signatory to New Planet Projects Ltd’s account, Minister Tunji-Ojo remains a key shareholder with substantial influence, and his wife continues to serve as a director.
” PSM expresses concern over young ministers engaging in questionable dealings, alleging collusion between Tunji-Ojo and Betta Edu in diverting over half a billion Naira, including significant consultancy fees.
“PSM is not calling for Tunji-Ojo’s suspension as a signatory but is calling for his resignation due to a conflict of interest”,the statement read.
The statement asserts that the minister used his position to influence the awarding of contracts to his company and emphasizes his influential role in the division of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The movement trusts that a thorough investigation will reveal any contracts awarded by Tunji-Ojo to Betta Edu from his ministry or indirect benefits to Betta Edu, ultimately at the expense of the Nigerian masses.
PSM applauds Mr. President’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing the wealth of Nigerians.
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