Arewa group drums support for Tunji-Ojo over N438m scandal, plans peaceful protest

A coalition of Arewa Civil Society Networks passed a vote of confidence in the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stating that a peaceful protest will be held shortly in his support.

The Coalition, speaking to journalists in Bauchi through its coordinator, Danladi Musa, declared that the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Networks met to unanimously support the Honorable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

“We recognize him as the most outstanding and performing minister in the distinguished cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

“The entire Northern region stands firmly behind the Honorable Minister. We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, not to yield to any undue pressures or threats from any quarters.”

“The recent crackdown on passport racketeering led by the Honorable Minister has unearthed a deep-seated network of corruption. Those threatened by these groundbreaking actions seek to undermine his achievements and jeopardize the transition of the international passport system to a digital and world-class standard.”

“The enemies of progress are mobilizing to destabilize our nation’s strides towards transparency, efficiency, and global best practices. However, we stand united in our support for the Honorable Minister and commend his unwavering commitment to reform and progress.”

“In light of the ongoing challenges and attempts to undermine his efforts, we announce our intention to stage a solidarity protest. This peaceful demonstration aims to mobilize citizens and garner support for the Honorable Minister during this pivotal moment.”

“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in demonstrating our unwavering support for his visionary leadership and commitment to national development.”

“In conclusion, the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Networks reaffirms its unwavering support for the Honorable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. We stand united in our resolve to defend and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and progress.”

“Together, we will overcome these challenges and continue to strive for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Nigerians.” Danladi stated

Tunji-Ojo has been the cynosure of all eyes following his company’s involvement in an alleged N438 million scam discovered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

A company, New Planet Projects, reportedly owned by Tunji-Ojo, benefited from an alleged contract scam by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under the leadership of the now-suspended minister, Betta Edu.

His alleged involvement in the contract scam formed the basis of the call on President Bola Tinubu by the South West Integrity Group to suspend Tunji-Ojo.

However, documents obtained exclusively by Chronicle NG show that the embattled minister and his wife have since resigned from their positions as Board of Directors in the company since 2019.

While Tunji-Ojo has been invited by the Code of Conduct Bureau for questioning over an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct rule for public officers, the Ijaw Professionals’ Forum has urged Tinubu not to give in to the whims and caprices of enemies of his government who want him to suspend or sack ‘the best performing minister of his administration’.