The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Thursday engaged in a heated exchange with a Fire Service officer during an unscheduled inspection of agencies under the ministry in Abuja.
The confrontation stemmed from what the minister described as the officer’s unprofessional conduct and negligence regarding the condition of fire trucks and other firefighting equipment. Tunji-Ojo expressed displeasure over the poorly maintained fire engines and dismissed the officer’s claim that a major fault in one of the trucks had only occurred the previous day.
Visibly frustrated, the minister rebuked the officer, stating: “You’re earning a salary to be fully active, not to give excuses. What do you expect to happen to ordinary Nigerians when they call you during an emergency?”
Tunji-Ojo emphasised that emergency response units must demonstrate accountability, preparedness, and a commitment to protecting citizens’ lives and property.
