YPP threatens nationwide protests, vows to reveal more damning evidence against interior minister Tunji-Ojo

The Young Progressives Party (YPP), a prominent opposition force in the country, has issued a stern ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, warning of widespread protests and the release of additional incriminating evidence if the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is not suspended promptly.

The YPP leadership, spearheaded by National Chairman Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, disclosed on Sunday their intention to take to the streets in a nationwide protest aimed at purging the government of individuals suspected of involvement in corrupt activities.

The party claims to possess compelling evidence exposing Tunji-Ojo’s alleged complicity in corrupt practices during his tenure in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

According to the YPP National Chairman’s petition addressed to President Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo, through his company New Planet Project Limited, purportedly received a staggering sum of N438.1 million from the Ministry under the leadership of Dr. Beta Edu.

The funds were allegedly allocated for consultancy services related to the National Social Register contract, designated for cash transfers and social investment programs.

The petition further asserts that the payments made to Tunji-Ojo’s company include N279 million for list verification and an additional N159 million for the same purpose.

He said: “The Young Progressives Party, YPP, as party committed to promoting accountability, and good governance, hereby submit this petition against Mr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, citing abuse of office.

“We have gathered evidence that a company owned by Mr Tunji Ojo, New Plant Project Limited was paid a total sum of N438.1 million by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under the leadership of Dr Beta Edu, for consultancy services. This payment was part of the N3 billion awarded to several consultants for the National Social Register contract, which was intended for cash transfers and social investment programmes.

“The payment made to Tunji Ojo’s company, New Planet Project Limited, include N279 million for the verification of the list and an additional N159 million for the same purpose. It is worth noting that the company, which was registered March 3, 2009, with registration number 804833, has Minister Tunji Ojo and his wife Abimbola, listed as directors with Gbadamasi Gbadamasi Clement as company’s secretary.

“We strongly believe that Minister Tunji Ojo’s actions are in direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the Code of Conduct law. Sections 5 and 6 of the Code of Conduct law clearly prohibits public officers from engaging in conflicts of interests and participating in any business other than farming.

“It is a known fact that contact of this magnitude could not have been approved except by the Federal Executive Council, which Minister Tunji Ojo is a member.”

Notably, the company, registered on March 3, 2009, with registration number 804833, lists Minister Tunji-Ojo and his wife Abimbola as directors, with Gbadamasi Gbadamasi Clement serving as the company’s secretary.

The YPP contends that Tunji-Ojo’s actions constitute a blatant violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the Code of Conduct law, specifically citing Sections 5 and 6 that prohibit public officers from engaging in conflicts of interest and participating in businesses other than farming.

The party argues that approvals for contracts of this magnitude should only come from the Federal Executive Council, of which Minister Tunji-Ojo is a member.

As tension escalates, the YPP remains resolute in its demand for the suspension of Tunji-Ojo, threatening to escalate their protest actions and reveal additional evidences if their calls for accountability and good governance go unanswered.

President Tinubu now faces a crucial decision on how to navigate this political storm that threatens to disrupt the status quo.

Source: New Telegraph