In a breaking development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the urgent suspension, investigation, and potential prosecution of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The demand arises from his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of N438 million designated for poverty alleviation, reportedly carried out under the supervision of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
The PDP contends that it is inexcusable for the ministers entrusted with the welfare of Nigerians to allegedly utilize a company, in which the Interior Minister holds a significant interest, to siphon funds intended for impoverished citizens. The party, through its spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to prevent further depletion of resources meant for the wellbeing of the underprivileged. The PDP advocates for the suspension of the Interior Minister and his subsequent handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation, mirroring the actions taken against his suspended counterpart, Betta Edu.
Expressing dissatisfaction with Tunji-Ojo’s denial of interest in the company despite confessing to substantial shares, the PDP alleges money laundering, aligning with what it perceives as the crafty tendencies of the APC administration. The party points to allegations that a significant portion of the funds was diverted to private accounts linked to influential APC figures in the National Assembly and the Presidency.
Challenging the Interior Minister, the PDP calls for the publication of due process certification documents, job scope, details of experts and modules used, and specifics about the claimed verification of 11 million Nigerian households within a month. The opposition party asserts that Tunji-Ojo’s continued tenure only solidifies their stance that the APC administration is a hub for treasury looters.
In a bid to reassure Nigerians, the PDP demands President Tinubu’s immediate action in relieving the Interior Minister. The party advocates for an independent inquiry into the disbursement of the N438 million, aiming to expose, prosecute, recover, and channel the funds for the betterment of Nigerians. The statement concludes by emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in public resource management.
