Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo Addresses N438 Million Contract Controversy Following Aso Villa Summons.
FCT, Abuja – President Bola Tinubu has summoned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the Presidential Villa in the wake of his alleged involvement in a controversial N438 million consultancy contract linked to his counterpart, Betta Edu.
The summon, which occurred barely 24 hours after the suspension of Dr Betta Edu from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, adds another layer to the unfolding saga surrounding the consultancy fee.
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When approached by journalists for comment as he left the Presidential Villa, Minister Tunji-Ojo briefly stated, “It’s all good,” offering minimal insight into the nature of the discussion with President Tinubu.
The controversy revolves around the payment of N438 million as a consultancy fee to New Planet Projects Limited, a company associated with the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu. Tunji-Ojo, accused of having a connection to the company, denies any impropriety.
“I’m not a signatory to company”: Minister Tunji-Ojo responds to N438.1m scandal
Addressing the allegations on Channels TV’s “Politics Today,” Tunji-Ojo clarified that while he founded New Planet Projects Limited a decade ago, he resigned from its directorship in 2019 when he contested for the House of Representatives.
The interior minister emphasized that he is a shareholder in the company but does not participate in its day-to-day operations. He asserted, “I am not involved in the day-to-day of the company.
Minister Tunji-Ojo denies pushing for a contract under Betta Edu’s ministry
I do not pursue jobs for the company. I do not bid for the company. I do not run the company; I am not a signatory to the company’s account.”
In light of the unfolding developments, Tunji-Ojo has sought to distance himself from the controversy, asserting that he does not actively seek contracts for the company.
As the situation continues to evolve, the nation awaits further details on the outcome of the meeting between President Tinubu and Minister Tunji-Ojo at the Presidential Villa.
