In response to mounting calls from Nigerians and opposition parties for the suspension of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Presidency has urged patience and restraint, emphasizing the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The controversy arose after it was reported that New Planet Projects, a company co-founded by Minister Tunji-Ojo, had allegedly received a contract worth N438 million from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. A leaked document suggested that the payment was designated as “consultancy fees.” The Ministry has been entangled in various scandals recently.
Minister Tunji-Ojo, however, vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he ceased to be a director of the company in 2019. Despite his denial, both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) have called for his immediate suspension, deeming the allegations substantial.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga addressed the calls for suspension, urging Nigerians to exercise patience and trust in the ongoing EFCC investigation. Onanuga emphasized that no one should be deemed a saint or a sinner until the EFCC completes its inquiry and establishes guilt.
“I will plead that Nigerians should exercise patience and allow the EFCC to complete its investigation. There is no saint, no sinner yet until the EFCC says so. Let’s refrain from media trial and mauling of the people and issues being probed,” Onanuga stated in a conversation with Daily Trust on Monday.
The plea for restraint comes amidst heightened public scrutiny and demands for accountability in the wake of the alleged financial impropriety involving the Minister of Interior and his connection to New Planet Projects.
