President Bola Tinubu has requested Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to come to Aso Rock for discussions regarding a payment of N438 million as a consultancy fee to New Planet Project Limited.
This company is reportedly linked to Tunji-Ojo by suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.
New Planet Project Limited was among several consultants granted contracts from the N3 billion allocated by the suspended minister for the National Social Register contract, designed for cash transfers and other social investment programs.
The controversy stems from the fact that New Planet Project Limited received an initial payment of N279 million for list verification and an additional N159 million for the same purpose.
Consequently, some Nigerians on social media have been advocating for the suspension of the interior minister following Edu’s suspension.
Sodiq Tade expressed his perspective, stating, “I’m a ‘fan’ of Olubunmi Tunji Ojo mainly because he is the only ‘working’ minister out of the 49/48 ministers.
However, if he is a shareholder in a company mentioned in corruption dealings, then he must be made to step aside just like Betta Edu. For us to progress as a country, we must hold everyone accountable. Equally.”
Omotayo Williams pointed out, “It is also evident he (Olubunmi-Ojo) has used his position to influence his company getting the contract.” This suggests concerns about potential misuse of influence in securing the contract for his affiliated company.
