The Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has sought the support and cooperation of the paramilitary agencies which are under the supervision of his ministry.

The paramilitary agencies under the ministry include the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Fire Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Tunji-Ojo, who was one of the ministers appointed by President Bola Tinubu and sworn in on Monday, held the maiden meeting, shortly after the swearing-in ceremony.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the media aide of the minister, Mr Babatunde Alao and made available to our correspondent in Akure, on Tuesday.

The minister called for synergy among the paramilitary service chiefs, charging them to be up and doing in their respective agencies.

He also warned that he would not hesitate to hold any of them responsible if they fail to rightfully discharge their duties in the agencies, just as the president will hold him accountable if anything went wrong in the ministry.

He said, “Just as Mr President will hold me accountable for whatever happens in the Ministry of Interior, I will never hold your subordinates responsible for anything; I will hold you responsible for anything that goes wrong.”

Tunji-Ojo reiterated his commitment to delivering on his constitutional mandate in the ministry, stating that he would do his best possible to ensure that the ministry met its set expectations and goals.

“I am here to work, but in working we must have a good environment. The work of this ministry affects everyone, whether you are rich or poor.

“I don’t lead from the back; I lead from the front. We will try, and we will do our best to provide leadership built on the foundation of your support. I am here to make a change and to deliver results, and I need you to help me do that,” he declared

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Oluwatoyi Akinlade, expressed assurance that the staffs of the ministry would always support and cooperate with the minister.

According to the statement, the paramilitary heads at the meeting are, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service , Mr Haliru Nababa; the Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola, the Controller- General of the Federal Fire Service, Mr Abdulganiyu Jaji, and the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi.