A Minister’s Misfire: Tunji-Ojo’s Ill-Fated Attempt to Defend the Indefensible

As Nigerians prepare for the prospective “Days of Rage” peaceful demonstration  against maladministration across the federation, on August 1, 2024, the role of the information minister has taken a backseat. However, a recent interview with Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Channels Television has raised eyebrows.

Despite his achievements in streamlining visa applications and improving services in the Ministry of Interior, Minister Tunji-Ojo struggled to fulfill the responsibilities of the Information Minister, Mohammad Idris. His comments on national television seemed to deflect responsibility for the country’s current hardships, blaming mismanagement over the past 60-100 years.

This approach of blaming past administrations is a common tactic among Nigerian politicians, who often seem disconnected from the realities they are supposed to address.

By focusing on his achievements in the Ministry of Interior, Minister Tunji-Ojo could have made a more impactful statement. Instead, his defense of the current administration fell flat.

As the nationwide protest approaches, it is crucial to address the legitimate grievances of Nigerians facing severe economic difficulties. The threats associated with the protest may be overstated, but they should not be used to hijack the process and undermine the voices of those seeking change.

A social Activist in the Niger Delta region, Comr. Icon-James Tam,who is a stronghold of the Ijaw youth Council (IYC), personally signed this statement to our media outlet, which reads in full:

“Nationwide Protest: Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,Right person defending the wrong.

In light of the upcoming nationwide protest against poor governance in Nigeria, dubbed “Days of Rage,” scheduled for August 1, 2024, it is notable how the role of the information minister has been overshadowed.

Prominent Nigerians have taken to the media to voice their opinions and offer unsolicited advice. Just yesterday, I watched as Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television interviewed the Minister for Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Surprisingly, the minister, who has performed admirably in his current role—streamlining visa applications and achieving notable improvements in less than a year—was seen struggling to fulfill the responsibilities of the Information Minister, Mohammad Idris.

Despite his achievements in the Ministry of Interior, where his work has garnered praises, Minister Tunji-Ojo’s recent appearance on national television was less than effective.

His comments, suggesting that Nigeria’s current hardships are the result of mismanagement over the past 60-100 years, seemed to deflect responsibility rather than address the present issues.

This approach of blaming past administrations is a common tactic among Nigerian politicians, who often seem disconnected from the realities they are supposed to address.

While his defense of the current administration may have been intended to highlight his own successes, it ultimately detracted from his effectiveness and the message he was trying to convey.

His efforts would have been more impactful if focused solely on his achievements in the Ministry of Interior rather than stepping into the shoes of the Information Minister.

In conclusion, the threats associated with the planned protest may be overstated unless they are used by certain groups to hijack the process and undermine the legitimate grievances of NigA Minister’s Misfire: Tunji-Ojo’s Ill-Fated Attempt to Defend the Indefensibleerians facing severe economic difficulties”.

  Signed:

Icon-James Tam
Writes from the creeks of Ogidigba 2, Ese-odo
LGA Ondo state.

iconjamestam2023@gmail.com