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Tunji-Ojo : CSO ask Tinubu to resist calls for suspension of Interior minister
A Civil Society Organisation, the Conference of Civil Society for Peace, Security and National Development (CCSPSND) has appealed to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to give in to the blackmail targeted at the minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in the ongoing investigation of fraud allegations against the minister of Humanitarian and poverty alleviation Dr. Betta Edu
Conveners of the Coalition, Dr. Adamu Muhammad and Chief Michael Msuaan, MON made the call in a statement jointly signed and issued in Abuja while reacting to alleged involvement in the N438.1 million consultancy contract between New Planet Project Limited, a company linked to Dr. Tunji-Ojo and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The group maintained that Dr. Tunji-Ojo remains one of the best ministers in the cabinet of President Tinubu. According to the civil society group, within the few months in office, the interior minister has left no one in doubt of his commitment to do things differently. He has been able to marshal the clearance of about 204,000 backlogs of passports within just three weeks in office.
The duo of Dr. Adamu Muhammad and chief Michael Msuaan asserted that enemies of the country who do not want anything good in the country are at it, sponsoring media commentaries aimed at blackmailing the minister. Their aim is to get the minister sacked so that they can continue their business of short changing the country.
“We state emphatically that enemies of the country who were involved in passport racketeering and fraud in the immigration and other services in the ministry and their sponsors are up to heat up the polity with sensational news targeted at criminalizing the minister. President Tinubu must resist the temptation of playing into the hands of these enemies.
“Dr. Tunji-Ojo has introduced an era of efficiency in service delivery, enhancing professionalism and focus. He has come with a vision of enhancing the welfare of paramilitary officers in addition to transforming correctional facilities into centres of rehabilitation. Such a visionary leader needs to be given time to turn around the fortunes of the Ministry.
“Our findings at the Corporate Affairs commission shows that the minister resigned as Director of New Planet Project Limited as far back as 2019, over five years ago and is not involved in the running of the company anymore as such the allegations that he benefited from the 438.1 million Naira consultancy contract awarded the company is baseless and unfounded”.
The CSO further explained that Dr. Tunji-Ojo has not been involved in the day to day running of the said company since 2019 maintains that his resignation from the Directorate of the company was in compliance with public service rules.
“As minister of Interior, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has not awarded any contact to the said company. It must be stated that the company, a public liability company can bid and execute contacts if awarded by any agency”, the statement noted.
The civil society organizations insisted that the partnership the interior minister had with Betta Edu was for the good of Nigerians involving illegal migration, human trafficking, child labour and provision of vocational skills at correctional centres all in line with the renewed hope agenda of the president.
The Conference of Civil Society for Peace, Security and National Development vehemently rejects call for the suspension or sack of Dr. Elijah Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of Interior and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to succumb to the antics of these enemies of the nation.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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