A former representative of Kaduna South Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani, has said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has committed no known sin by having shares in a company reportedly awarded a contract by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Poverty Alleviation, New Planet Project Limited.
Tunji-Ojo said after the matter blew open that he resigned as a Director from the firm.
He said he did this the moment he was elected into the House of Representatives.
He said he only owns shares in the company he founded with his wife 15 years ago.
New Planet Project Limited was reportedly given a consultancy project by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
The Minister is undergoing a probe over the alleged mismanagement of N585 million by her ministry.
Reacting on his Facebook page to the castigation of Tunji-Ojo by some Nigerians, Senator Sani said the Minister has committed no known offence.
He wrote: “Going by the facts presented by Hon Ojo, he had since 2019 resigned from the company mentioned as beneficiary.
“It could have been a conflict of interest if he had not resigned.
“There is no law that says public officials must sell their shares when they assume public office.
“Moreover, it’s not his ministry and companies have the right to pursue businesses anywhere.
“Edu’s case is very clear and can’t be equated with that of Hon Ojo.
“Legally, he can’t be held to account on this matter.
“Let’s not be distracted.”
