The Code of Conduct Bureau has invited the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over the involvement of his company in an alleged N438m contract scam uncovered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The CCB has commenced an investigation into the alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers by the minister.
A company, New Planet Projects, allegedly belonging to the minister benefitted from an alleged contract scam from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
A document exclusively obtained by our correspondent on Monday revealed that the CCB invited the minister to appear before it on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the CCB Headquarters, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.
The document signed by the CCB Director, Investigation and Monitoring, Gwimi S.P, on behalf of the CCB Chairman, Murtala Aliyu, revealed that the bureau’s invitation was hinged on its mandate and powers as enshrined in the Third Schedule, Part 1, 3 (e) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
The letter addressed to the minister read, “The bureau is investigating a case of alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in which your name featured prominently. Consequently, you are invited for an interview scheduled as follows:
“Date: Tuesday, 16th January, 2024. Time: 1100hrs prompt. Venue: CCB Headquarters on 5th Floor, Annex III, Phase I, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.”
Groups defend minister
Meanwhile, some groups, on Monday, protested against the probe of the minister, alleging media trial and accusing the opponents of being unhappy with the minister’s ‘growing popularity’.
The Coalition of Civil Rights Organisations described the report on the invitation of the minister by the CCB as “another in the series of the campaign of calumny, which has recently been orchestrated by sponsored propagandists, who are mainly out to discredit the radical transformation, being undertaken by Tunji-Ojo, and by extension, to undermine the achievements of President Bola Tinubu.
“There is no doubt, that the timing and nature of these allegations appear suspicious and politically motivated, aiming to tarnish the reputation of a public servant known for his commitment to transparency and accountability.
“We have thoroughly examined the circumstances surrounding the purported invitation of Invitation by the CCB and find them to lack credible evidence, resembling a smear campaign rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. We want to strongly believe, that if perhaps, there is a need for any conversation or interrogation to be conducted by the CBB, how did such become a media affair, if it is not a smear campaign, like we suspected?”
Another group, Elite Africa, in a statement, attacked the South-West Integrity Group for demanding the suspension of Mr Tunji-Ojo over alleged corruption.
The group said, “The South-West Integrity Group in a publication had stated that Tunji-Ojo should resign over his alleged involvement in the recent controversy in the award of contracts at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“The timing of these allegations, coupled with the sweeping reforms he has instituted, raises eyebrows. It seems certain elements within the political landscape are uneasy with Tunji-Ojo’s unyielding stance against corruption.
“His track record of dismantling established systems of exploitation has made him a thorn in the side of those who thrived on malfeasance.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the CCB, Veronica Kato, in a statement on Monday, confirmed Mr Tunji-Ojo’s invitation by the bureau over the breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
Kato further noted that the embattled Minister’s invitation by the bureau is hinged on its (CCB’s) mandate and powers as enshrined in the Third Schedule, Part 1, 3 (e) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
Kato said, “The Code of Conduct Bureau has commenced an investigation into the alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
“The minister is invited to appear before the Bureau on Tuesday, 16th January, 2024 at the CCB headquarters located at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.
“The Bureau’s invitation is hinged on its mandate and powers as enshrined in the Third Schedule, Part 1, 3 (e) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
“It can be recalled that the minister has been in the news recently on alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, particularly, conflict of interest in the execution of a contract awarded to a company belonging to the Minister by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.
“A company named New Planet Projects, allegedly belonging to the Minister benefitted from an alleged contract scam from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.”
