By Mohammed Bello Doka
**Headline: NEFGAD Threatens Legal Action Against Minister Tunji-Ojo Over N3 Billion Contract Controversy**
In a recent development, the Network for Growth and Actualization of Viable Development (NEFGAD), a prominent public procurement advocacy group, has issued a stern warning of legal action against the beleaguered Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The group alleges his involvement in the controversial N3 billion contract awarded by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.
Contrary to Tunji-Ojo's defense, NEFGAD deems it faulty and unsatisfactory. The Minister vehemently denied personally benefiting from the alleged 438.1 million received by his company, New Planet Project Limited, under the contentious N3 billion social register contracts facilitated by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
In a press statement released over the weekend in Abuja, NEFGAD's acting Head of Legal, Dolapo Obafunmi, asserted that Tunji-Ojo, a shareholder in New Planet Project Limited, ran afoul of section 16 subsection 6(f) of the Public Procurement Act 2007. The group alleges that the Minister failed to comply by neglecting to provide an affidavit alongside bidding documents. This affidavit should have disclosed whether Dr. Betta Edu, a member of the procuring entity, had any pecuniary interest in New Planet Project Limited – the company in which Mr. Tunji-Ojo, his cabinet colleague, holds shares. NEFGAD remains resolute in its pursuit of transparency and accountability, signaling a potential legal battle on the horizon.
He said: “Mr. Tunji Ojo should also know that his cabinet membership is ordinarily influential enough to sway cabinet colleague’s procurement decision in his favour hence calling the Minister to honorably apologise to Nigerians and resign immediately or face legal action
Tunji-Ojo, holding a significant position in the company, should have adhered to public procurement laws by simply disclosing his interest through a court affidavit, given his shareholding status.
Obafunmi asserted that the contract's award exhibited blatant breaches, highlighting a failure to follow fundamental principles of public procurement. The entire contract process is flawed, rendering it incapable of achieving its intended purpose or providing value for money.
He emphasized that Tunji Ojo's cabinet membership holds enough influence to sway procurement decisions in his favor. Consequently, he called on the Minister to issue a sincere apology to the Nigerian public, resign immediately, or be prepared to face legal consequences.
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