Betta Edu: Minister of Interior Receives Summon to Aso Rock Over N438m Contract Payment

In the evolving case of recently suspended Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, a significant new development has surfaced.

President Bola Tinubu has summoned the Minister of Interior, Lubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.

This action comes after his admission that a company he co-founded with his wife received a substantial contract payment of N438 million from Ms. Edu.

This admission comes amid the ongoing investigation into Edu’s suspension for illegally attempting to divert public funds into a private account.

Background on Betta Edu’s Controversy

Last week, reports emerged that Betta Edu had written to the office of the accountant-general.

She allegedly requested the transfer of N585 million, earmarked for poverty alleviation in Akwa-Ibom, Cross-River, Lagos, and Ogun states, into a private account.

This request, flouting financial regulations, sparked public outrage and led to her suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

Minister of Interior’s Involvement

Recently, in an interview with Channels TV, Mr. Tunji-Ojo addressed allegations linked to a leaked memo.

This memo revealed that his company, Planet Projects LTD, received a contract from Ms. Edu’s office.

“Yes, I founded the company 15 years ago,” Mr. Tunji-Ojo admitted, adding that he resigned as director in 2019, upon his election victory.

In his words; “But in 2019, when I won election, I resigned as director of the company almost five years ago. I’m not a director. I resigned as far back as 2019 and CAC certified it.”

However, he maintained his position as a shareholder in the company.

Tunji-Ojo’s Defense

Mr. Tunji-Ojo stated public service rules allow him to be a shareholder in a company receiving government contracts.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said, “How could I have done that? I’m minister of Interior not minister of humanitarian. On what basis will I do that? Is a company not entitled to bid for anything?  

“Of course, to the best of my knowledge, public service rules do not prohibit public officers from being shareholders. What public service rules say is that you cannot be a director of which I had resigned about five years ago,” he added.  

Mr Tunji-Ojo further said, “The question should be, if the company was given a job, did they do the job? Was the job validly awarded?” 

He argued that his role as the Minister of Interior had no influence over contract allocations in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

He emphasized the legitimacy of the contract awarded to his company and the fulfillment of the job’s requirements.

Ongoing Investigation and Edu’s Defense

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission has invited Ms. Edu for an investigation regarding her illegal request for the N585 million transfer.

Despite admitting to authoring the memo, Ms. Edu has claimed that the allegations against her are the result of a plot by ‘fraudulent forces’ she has exposed.

Implications of the Revelations

This development consequently raises questions about ethical conduct and conflicts of interest within Nigeria’s political sphere.

Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation focuses on public officials’ transparency and accountability in government contract allocation and execution.

Moreover, the unfolding story of Betta Edu and the involvement of Minister Lubunmi Tunji-Ojo bring to light the complexities and challenges of governance in Nigeria.

As the situation evolves, it emphasizes the critical need for strict adherence to ethical standards in public service.

Subsequently, the public, with keen interest, awaits the outcomes of the investigation, hoping for clarity and justice in this high-profile case.