As the controversy surrounding the involvement of Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a scandalous contract at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation continues to escalate, the Young Progressive Party (YPP) has made a bold move by calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the interior minister. The YPP has given a 48-hour ultimatum, threatening to mobilize youths across the country to shut down Abuja if their demand is not met.
In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu, the National Chairman of the YPP, Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, cited alleged “abuse of office” as the reason for the party’s call for the suspension of Tunji-Ojo. The YPP claims to have evidence that a company owned by Minister Tunji Ojo, New Planet Project Limited, received a substantial payment from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for consultancy services. The party believes that these actions are in direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the Code of Conduct law.
The YPP’s letter further alleges that Minister Tunji Ojo’s company was paid a total of N438.1 million for consultancy services, including N279 million for the verification of the list and an additional N159 million for the same purpose. The company, registered in 2009, lists Minister Tunji Ojo and his wife as directors, raising concerns about conflict of interest and violation of the Code of Conduct law.
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The party also accuses Thalis Apalowo, the Coordinator of the National Programme Manager for Grants for Vulnerable Groups, of being a frontman for Tunji-Ojo in securing the contract. It alleges that Apalowo, a former Legislative Assistant to Hon. Tunji-Ojo, was part of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs’ advance team and received substantial funds for expenses related to a trip to Kogi State.
The YPP is urging President Tinubu to take immediate action by suspending Tunji-Ojo and initiating a comprehensive and independent investigation into the alleged misconduct. The party also calls for appropriate legal actions against the minister to serve as a deterrent to others.
The controversy stems from an award of contract for the verification of beneficiary lists in empowerment programs undertaken by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, which was linked to a company owned by Hon. Tunji-Ojo. However, the Interior Minister has claimed that he resigned from the ownership of the company in 2019 when he won election into the House of Representatives.
This development has sparked intense debates and discussions across the country, with many expressing concern over the alleged misconduct and calling for swift and decisive action to address the situation. The YPP’s ultimatum and demands have further intensified the spotlight on this issue, prompting widespread public interest and scrutiny.
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The call for the suspension of a high-ranking government official by a political party is a rare and significant move, signaling the gravity of the allegations and the urgency for accountability and transparency in governance. The YPP’s use of a 48-hour ultimatum and the threat to mobilize youths to shut down Abuja on a specified date has added a sense of urgency and drama to the situation, capturing the attention of the public and the media alike.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu now faces a critical decision in response to the YPP’s demands. The outcome of this situation could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape and the public’s perception of accountability and integrity within the government. The eyes of the nation are now on the President as the deadline approaches, awaiting his response to this bold and unprecedented call for action.
This development underscores the power of political parties and civil society organizations in holding government officials accountable and driving transparency and ethical conduct in public service. It also highlights the role of public pressure and advocacy in shaping the governance and decision-making process.
As the controversy unfolds, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including the government, the media, and the public, to closely monitor the developments and ensure that due process is followed in addressing the allegations. The outcome of this situation will not only impact the individuals involved but also set a precedent for future cases of alleged misconduct and ethical violations within the government.
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In conclusion, the YPP’s call for the suspension of the Interior Minister has injected a new level of intensity and urgency into the ongoing controversy. The 48-hour ultimatum and the threat of mobilizing youths to shut down Abuja have elevated the stakes and captured the attention of the nation. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on President Tinubu as the nation awaits his response to this bold and unprecedented demand for action.
