The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate suspension, investigation, and potential prosecution of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in response to his reported involvement in the alleged misappropriation of N438 million poverty alleviation funds under the oversight of Betta Edu.
Expressing deep concern, the main opposition party deemed it inexcusable that Tunji-Ojo and Edu, entrusted with the welfare of Nigerians, allegedly used a company with significant ties to the minister to siphon funds meant for impoverished Nigerians under the guise of consultancy fees for unverified household data.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to safeguard resources meant for the welfare of the less privileged from further exploitation.
The party called for the suspension of Tunji-Ojo and his subsequent handover to the EFCC for investigation, mirroring the actions taken with Edu.
The PDP expressed dismay at Tunji-Ojo’s denial of interest in the company despite owning substantial shares, labeling it a blatant money laundering attempt consistent with the alleged craftiness of the APC in exploiting public resources.
Challenging the Interior Minister, the PDP demanded the publication of due process certification documents, the job scope, experts involved, and details of the 11 million Nigerian households claimed to have been verified within a month.
The party insisted that Tunji-Ojo’s continued stay in office would affirm the PDP’s belief that the Tinubu-led APC administration harbors treasury looters.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar commended President Tinubu for Edu’s suspension and EFCC investigation. However, he considered it belated and criticized the appointment of Edu, lacking competence in the development sector.
Atiku called for a drastic reform of the Humanitarian Affairs ministry and other interventionist programs that have allegedly become financial conduits for those in power.
He emphasized the need to fish out and prosecute all individuals who have benefited from funds intended for the poor, describing the situation as demonic and tendentiously wicked.
Atiku urged a thorough reform of the ministry, pointing to ongoing probes of the former Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq, for alleged N37 billion fraud. He accused the APC of weaponizing poverty and hunger for political control and official corruption.
