Shehu Sani
Tunji-Ojo has not broken any laws over Betta Edu saga, Shehu Sani insists
A former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has risen in defence of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, saying he has not broken any laws regarding the ongoing investigation into the alleged fraud by the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Betta Edu.
Betta Edu was suspended as minister following allegation of transfer of N585.2 million of her ministry to a private account. She was later at the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, on invitation.
However, Tunji Ojo has suffered a heavy backlash after reports emerged that his company, New Planet Project Ltd, also received a contract from Edu. But the minister had insisted he resigned as Managing Director of the company since 2019.
Tunji-Ojo is, however, being put task in tne parlance of public opinion to step down, with many analysts insisting he has flouted the Public Service Rules, which barred public servants from being awarded contracts or contracting any business except farming.
However, during an interview, the minister insisted that he has retired from the company since 2019.
But amid the controversies, Sani stressed that it “could have been a conflict of interest if he hadn’t resigned from the company.
“There is no law that says public officials must sell all their shares when they assume public office.
“Going by the facts presented by Hon Ojo (Tunji-Ojo), he had since 2019 resigned from the company that was mentioned as beneficiary.
“There is no law that says public officials must sell all their shares when they assume public office.
“It is not his ministry (that awarded contracts), and companies have the right to pursue businesses anywhere.
“Edu’s case is very clear and can’t be equated with that of a company associated with Hon Ojo.
“Legally, he can’t be held to account on this matter.”
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