Edugate: IPF Writes Tinubu, Says Enemies after Tunji-Ojo

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

An ethnic group, Ijaw Professionals’ Forum (IPF), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to be wary of enemies of his government, who are calling for the suspension of his Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Tunjo-Ojo has been dragged into the financial scandal involving the suspended Humanitarian Minister, Dr. Betta Edu.

In an open letter to President Tinubu, the Ijaw professionals lauded the president for the manner he had so far handled issues affecting his government, especially his speedy treatment of the Edu’s financial scandal.

In the letter signed yesterday by its Secretary, Clarkson Ayibapreye, the forum urged the president to carefully evaluate the voices against Tunji-Ojo to avoid falling into the traps of the opposition and enemies of his government.

The letter said: “The president must always remember that his government has opposition. Once a story like this is in the public domain your opposition will also like to take undue advantage of it.

“Enemies of the government will exaggerate and widen the net to rope-in all your key men.” 

“That, we believe, is what is happening with your Minister of Interior, who is an honourable young man who has done everything to endear your government to all-locally and internationally.

“The energy, creativity and innovation he has brought to your government is unparalleled. They say a goldfish has no hiding place, unfortunately his outstanding performance has attracted the attention of enemies of your government.

“The Minister of Interior is a very valuable player in your government, and the opposition will revel in seeing him injured, which I fear may be what is playing out.”

Describing Tinubu as an exceptional leader, the group said the president required effective supporters and workers like Tunji-Ojo, whom they said had been discharging his duties effectively.

The Ijaw professionals also appealed to the president not to allow “those, who do not mean well” to  determine the policy direction of his government.

Applauding the president for the way he handled the Edu’s case, they said: “Tunji-Ojo is not Betta Edu. Tunji-Ojo is not even the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. Tunji-Ojo is doing well as the Minister of Interior, and so far, affairs in that ministry have been above board.

“He resigned from the company in question five years ago. He is not a signatory to the account of the company. What is the hullabaloo about?”

Assessing Tinubu’s administration so far, the professionals said: “You came in as president, and hit the ground running. It was like a child running on the day it was born.

“On the very first day, you announced a momentous policy-the deregulation policy. It was uncharted territory. Even your predecessor, a retired military general, was not keen to thread that path on account of obvious dangers but, you, President Tinubu, did.”