A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Taofik Gani, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate transparency and fairness in his administration by directing the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to publicly clear his name over alleged irregularities in his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) record and previous corruption allegations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Gani, who is a former spokesperson of the PDP in Lagos State, warned that the growing perception of nepotism and selective justice in the Tinubu administration could undermine public confidence in government’s anti-corruption efforts.
According to him, there are several petitions against Tunji-Ojo, including claims that he absconded during his mandatory NYSC service year but still presented a discharge certificate during his ministerial screening.
Gani recalled that the minister was also linked to the ₦438.1 million consultancy contract scandal that led to the suspension and eventual removal of Dr. Betta Edu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
He said the public believes President Tinubu is shielding ministers from the South-West, urging the president to dispel such insinuations by insisting on accountability from all cabinet members.
“If President Tinubu and his party, the APC, are sincere about fighting corruption, the minister should be directed to clear himself or resign honorably like Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned after allegations of certificate forgery,” Gani stated.
The PDP chieftain warned that the continued stay of Tunji-Ojo in the Federal Executive Council could damage the image of the administration and Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
He added that the controversy also raises questions about the due diligence process carried out by security agencies and officials in the presidency before appointments are made.
“The people in the presidency are perhaps the worst enemies of the president. If care is not taken, they will continue to embarrass him just like they did in the latest list of convicted persons granted presidential pardon,” Gani added.
