The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has strongly denounced the demand by Concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora (CND-UK), a UK-based organization, for the suspension of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, labeling the call as profoundly unpatriotic.
According to Mr. Darlington Nwauju, the party’s spokesperson in Rivers State, the allegations made by CND-UK amount to baseless accusations and politically driven attempts to tarnish the minister’s growing reputation for effective leadership and innovation in public service.
In a statement released yesterday, Nwauju dismissed the claim that Dr. Tunji-Ojo is exploiting his position to monopolize political influence ahead of the 2027 elections as utterly absurd and lacking any factual basis.
He emphasized that political engagement inherently involves influence and coalition-building, and maintained that the Interior Minister’s political conduct remains well within the accepted ethical and professional standards expected of public officials.
“Provided the Minister’s political involvement adheres to the minimum standards of propriety and established norms for public office holders, how does that interfere with the interests of CND-UK?” Nwauju questioned.
“Is the group, led by Dr. Abanikanda Olumoro, attempting to undermine Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s constitutional right to political association and support for fellow Nigerians?”
The Rivers APC representative further challenged the patriotism of CND-UK, pointing out their failure to acknowledge the minister’s significant contributions in revitalizing the Interior Ministry and enhancing Nigeria’s global standing.
“When it comes to promoting Nigeria’s image, which current cabinet member has demonstrated greater dedication, creativity, fiscal responsibility, and even surpassed revenue expectations than Dr. Tunji-Ojo?” he asked rhetorically.
Nwauju also highlighted the group’s silence during Nigeria’s prolonged nigerians/” title=”Peter Obi Slams FG Over Passport Fee Hike: "This Government Is Making Life Harder for Ordinary …”>passport issuance crisis, which caused widespread frustration, only to raise objections after the issue was effectively addressed under the minister’s leadership.
He accused CND-UK of serving as a mouthpiece for “desperate political interests” intent on smearing the minister’s reputation, and dismissed their reference to the 2020 Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) investigation as irrelevant and misleading.
“Contrary to their claim, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei did not walk out on the House Committee,” Nwauju clarified.
“Having been directly involved in that process, I can attest that Prof. Pondei struggled to respond to the overwhelming evidence and probing questions. The group’s citation of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) report on this matter is misguided and reflects a lack of thorough research.”
He reiterated that the Interior Ministry’s achievements under Dr. Tunji-Ojo have positively enhanced Nigeria’s reputation, citing improvements in passport issuance, immigration management, and the correctional system.
Nwauju urged CND-UK to utilize the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to verify facts rather than disseminate unsubstantiated claims regarding the ownership of New Planet Project Ltd, a company previously associated with the minister before his appointment.
“The group should seek accurate information through official channels and cease this baseless cycle of accusations,” he advised.
In closing, Nwauju asserted that the campaign to suspend Dr. Tunji-Ojo reveals the handiwork of envious political adversaries frustrated by the transformative progress within the Interior Ministry and their inability to undermine his ministerial accomplishments.
He called on Nigerians both domestically and abroad to disregard the inflammatory publication and continue supporting the ongoing reforms of vital national institutions under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
