Tinubu Summons Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo Over Controversial Contract In N438m Betta Edu Scandal
President Bola Tinubu has invited the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for an urgent meeting at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.
The presidential summons comes amidst a raging controversy surrounding a consultancy contract worth N438 million awarded to New Planet Project Limited by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for the National Social Register.
Minister Tunji-Ojo has admitted to founding New Planet Project Ltd and being a shareholder in the company, although he denies having a role currently.
Critics allege conflict of interest and possible abuse of office in the contract award as Tunji-Ojo’s ties to the beneficiary company came to light.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs awarded multiple contracts worth N3 billion naira in total for the social welfare program, leading to graft allegations and the suspension of the Minister, Betta Edu, pending investigations.
President Tinubu has reacted swiftly to the snowballing situation by calling in Tunji-Ojo to possibly explain himself with regards to the role of his company and establish his non-involvement.
The Interior Minister’s responses and defense before the President could determine whether he also suffers the fate of suspension like Edu in the scandal rife Humanitarian Ministry.