In the wake of the N438.1 million consultancy contract controversy between New Planet Project Limited and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has vehemently refuted any association with the financial dealings.
President Bola Tinubu has recently instructed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to investigate all financial transactions related to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This directive comes following the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, who was in charge of the ministry.
Dr. Edu faced criticism after a leaked memo on December 20, 2023, alleged that she directed the transfer of N585 million to a private account, reportedly belonging to Oniyelu Bridget, the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
However, media reports suggest that a company owned by the Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, was paid N438.1 million by Edu for consultancy services.
In response to the allegations, Tunji-Ojo clarified on Channels TV that he founded New Planet Project Limited a decade ago but resigned from directorship in 2019 when he contested for the House of Representatives. He emphasized that he is merely a shareholder in the company and not involved in its day-to-day operations.
Tunji-Ojo expressed shock at the reports, urging relevant agencies to investigate the contract processes.
He clarified, “I do not run the company. I don’t have any knowledge of the contract. I am not a signatory to any account. I am not a director of the company.”
While acknowledging his role as a shareholder, Tunji-Ojo highlighted that public service rules do not prohibit public officers from holding shares.
He urged a thorough probe into whether due process was followed and emphasized that if the company failed to deliver according to the contract agreement, they should face appropriate sanctions.
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