From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Ijaw Professionals’ Forum (IPF) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be wary of opposition elements and enemies of his government calling for the suspension of his Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunjo-Ojo over the financial scandal involving the suspended Humanitarian Minister, Betta Edu.
The Ijaw professionals in an open letter heaped encomium on Tinubu for the way and manner he had so far handled issues affecting his government especially his speedy treatment of the Edu’s financial scandal.
But the forum in the letter signed on Monday by its Secretary, Clarkson Borchson Ayibapreye, 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: “Mr. 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 Hon. Minister of Interior. 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 Honourable 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”.
While describing Tinubu as an exceptional leader, the Ijaw professionals said the President required effective supporters and workers like Tunji-ojo, whom they said had been discharging his duties well.
They further 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 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 the Interior, and so far, affairs in that Ministry have been above board.
Assessing Tinubu’s administration so far, the Ijaw professional commended the President for hitting the ground running.
According to them since Tinubu announced the deregulation policy in his inaugural address, he has defined his administration as one that is ready for business and swift in addressing burning issues.