Festus Keyamo, minister of state for labour and employment has accused some politicians in the country of trying to blackmail him and also hijack recruitment into federal government’s Special Public Works (SPW) Programme.

Speaking on Monday, June 28 in Abuja at the inauguration of the state selection committee for SPW which is a post COVID-19 poverty alleviation programme approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, Keyamo recalled saying “NO” to a meeting with some politicians who want to “determine who gets what and how”.

He said;

“There have been attempts at blackmailing me in this particular programme too to make us also yield to political leaders and we have said no, not while I am here.

“I have a pedigree. I have a background. I know where I am coming from. Before I came into public office, I have a pedigree and what I stand for.

“Except Mr. President, who appointed me stops me, and who gave me the opportunity and rare privilege to drive this programme, except he stops me, no other political leader or person can stop me. I am answerable only to Mr President.

“Before coming here today, there has been an attempt by certain political leaders to say I must come and see them behind the scene first to determine who gets what and how, and I said no. I am ready at any time for a public debate on this with them.

“I think the chairmen can stand on their own; don’t go and hold meetings in the house of politicians to select; hold your meetings in NDE offices. Don’t go and meet in any government house to hold any meeting, don’t go to any politicians’ house to do selections.”

It is expected that beneficiaries of the programme will get N20,000 monthly for the three-month duration of the programme.