..Urges the public, media to desist from curating opinions and false hot takes on the Minister of Interior

A coalition of over 180 Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, identified as Civil Society Groups for Good Governance in solidarity, has refuted the incessant public opinion regarding the involvement of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a N438 million contract with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

In a press briefing organised in Abuja on Wednesday, the group amid the recent media campaign, mudslinging seeking for the sack of the minister, stated that he Hon. Tunji-Ojo remains one of the best-performing cabinet ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the President Bola Ahmed government.

The statement which was read by the President of the Coalition, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, the coalition emphasized the need to clarify situations, maintain decorum, and discourage biased perceptions.

” Our attention has been drawn to the recent allegations of fraudulent activities besieging the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and her minister, our concern however is the baton of judgement it has on other persons who are in no way connected to the allegations, hence the need for this press briefing with the above-mentioned subject matter.

“As watchdogs of the society, we are not partisan to social media judgement, court or condemnation, we do not buy into activities of keypad warriors casting aspersions; therefore, we condemn in all its entirety the discordant public opinion regarding the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’ involvement in the N438 million Humanitarian Ministry Contract and we aim to set the record straight for clarity and for the avoidance of public biased perceptions and judgement.

“It is a well-known fact that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has repeatedly exonerated himself, providing evidence, from any involvement in the controversial N438 million contract scandal related to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.

“Additionally, the Minister, Mr. Tunji-Ojo, presented a certified document from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), confirming his resignation from the company five years ago. He has no business with the said company—absolutely no business—because he’s not involved in the day-to-day running of the company.

“He also does not pursue jobs for the company, does not bid for the company, and is not a signatory to the company’s account. May we reiterate that “HE IS NOT INVOLVED AND SHOULDN’T BE ROPED IN, THOSE INVOLVED SHOULD BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS ALONE.” He added.

Ogakwu noted Tunji-Ojo’s commendable efforts within a short tenure in office, emphasising his commitment to the Interior Ministry’s mandate and national development.

“While social media platforms have been rife with criticism, the Minister has shown exceptional leadership by spearheading significant reforms, bringing about efficiency and progressive change across various agencies under his purview,” Dominic added.

He urged the public to recognize the Minister’s achievements, citing instances such as the swift clearance of a passport backlog at the Nigeria Immigration Service and efforts to secure funds for prison inmates’ fines, which eased congestion in correctional facilities nationwide.

The convener concluded by commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response in suspending those directly involved in the sharp practices exposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, according to him, the act goes to show that the recent administration, is committed to nipping corruption in the bud to afford Nigerians and Nigeria the giant strides it deserves as part of its strategy in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.