A forum of the Human Rights Lawyers’ group, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), has lauded the Senate for confirmation of Ondo state nominee, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, along with 44 others screened and cleared by the Red Chamber.
Barristers Edward Omaga and Denning Akori, President and Director of Legal Services, respectively, of the Forum, gave the commendation on Tuesday at a press briefing.
Investigation revealed that some lawyers were agitating for the disqualification of Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo based on alleged discrepancies in his Certificate of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The duo told journalists at the National Assembly shortly after the confirmation that they were at the Senate to monitor the proceedings for the group, having done preliminary investigations into controversy trailing the nominee’s NYSC certificate.
“One of the noblest things this 10th Assembly has done is not to condone mischiefs and blackmails. The Senate, though, gives the public listening ears in matters of national concerns, but it must also take its time to do proper investigation and crosscheck facts so the institution won’t be misled.
“The nomination of Rep Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the controversies around it are one that has caught our attention, knowing the calibres of people peddling issues around and calling on the Senate not to confirm him as Minister. We thank God the Senate did not listen to them. We hail the Senate for living above board.
“Rep Tunji-Ojo, though we have not met him or had personal contact with him before now, we understand he has been a Member of the 9th House of Representatives and served as Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He contested again in 2023 and won convincingly. In each of the elections, he submitted his details to INEC. Where were these elements then? Why didn’t they raise issues?
“We have taken the pains of doing some background checks, and our findings are pointing towards the direction that the young man is a victim of a witch-hunt for the simple reason that some people do not endorse his nomination.
“How long shall we continue to sacrifice competence and versatility on the altar of politics and sentiments? His nomination was purely based on sheer competence and proven capacity.
“He is an astute administrator and a young politician who chaired the House Committee on NDDC in the 9th Assembly, spearheading a very important probe that led to a series of reforms in the Commission, as well as compelling the Buhari administration to constitute a new board for the NDDC.
“Even Senators described him as a brilliant mind who has consulted widely in the private sector for notable organizations such as the NNPC, PTDF, World Bank, and NCDMB, among others, per his verifiable credentials.
The group vowed to continue to assist the National Assembly and other institutions of Government in a proper investigation, and if any allegation is found to be true against anyone, no matter how highly placed, they would not also hesitate to seek prosecution of such public officer.
Speaking further, Barrister Omega recalled the activities of the Forum in seeking prosecution of public officers who have questions to answer.
“Remember, in 2021, in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/732/2021 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the Global Integrity Crusade Network urged the Court to order the arrest of Kemi Adeosun, a former Nigerian Finance Minister.
“We did that in good spirit, having done a proper investigation of the alleged certificate forgery, even years after she had resigned. That’s to prove to you that we are not pro-government. We are with the masses, but it should also be known that we would support the masses only when issues at hand are not clothed with political undertones.”