Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who served as the representative for Akoko Northeast and Northwest Federal Constituency of Ondo State in the House of Representatives, has tendered his resignation.
This decision comes after President Bola Tinubu approved his nomination to become a Minister in the government’s cabinet. Tunji-Ojo conveyed his resignation to Speaker Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas via a letter on Friday, August 18, 2023.
Just hours prior to the scheduled swearing-in ceremony of the ministers-designate set for today (Monday), Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made his resignation letter available to the public.
In a communication made public to journalists on Sunday evening, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s spokesperson, Mr. Babatunde Alao, shared a copy of the resignation letter. In the letter, Tunji-Ojo verified that his decision to step down from his position was motivated by his recent designation to take on the role of a Federal Minister in President Bola Tinubu’s government. He emphasized that his appointment came at a crucial juncture when the nation is facing significant socio-economic challenges, highlighting the importance of technocrats’ involvement to address the prevailing situation.
He said:
“Our dear country is in dire need of collaborative and concerted efforts that would engender the much-needed advancement to greater heights and I have been appointed to contribute my quota to achieve that enviable objective as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for deeming him qualified to take up the responsibility of a Minister and contribute to the nation’s progress, Hon. Tunji-Ojo conveyed his readiness to dedicate his utmost efforts. He affirmed his commitment to realizing the revitalized aspirations and goals of the current administration, aiming to bring about positive outcomes for the country.
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Hon. Tunji-Ojo, widely recognized as BTO, was chosen by President Tinubu to be part of a group of 47 ministers, all set to take their oaths of office later today in Abuja.
Initially slated to assume the role of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, a revision was unveiled through a statement on Sunday by Ajuri Nagelale, the President’s Special Adviser (Media & Publicity). This alteration resulted in Tunji-Ojo’s portfolio being adjusted to that of Minister of Interior.
Before assuming his current position, the ministers-designate had been reelected for a second term to serve as the representative for the Akoko North-East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency of Ondo State.
During his tenure as a member of the National Assembly from 2019 to 2023, Tunji-Ojo held the position of Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Niger/Delta Affairs.