By Zara Maisango
In a heated session, the House of Representatives has called into question the financial activities of the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, scrutinizing her for allegedly spending N45 million on a New Year party and N20 million on sanitary pads. Additionally, it was noted that N1.5 million was spent on vehicle fuel.
The probe, led by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, focused on these expenditures and the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors, despite the funds being released. Rep. Ogbara emphasized that the investigation aimed to uncover the truth rather than engage in a witch-hunt against the Minister and ministry officials.
The inquiry was prompted by a petition from contractors alleging fund diversion. The committee sought clarity on the use of funds appropriated for the African First Lady’s mission and the missing N1.5 billion intended for contractor payments.
During the hearing, the Minister denied any allegations of misappropriation or overspending. However, the ministry's procurement officer corroborated the contractors' claims, and the Director of Finance and Administration confirmed payments were only made for approved contracts.
This investigation follows the committee's previous session where the Minister was summoned to explain the reasons behind the unpaid contracts. In response to these revelations, the committee has ordered a halt to all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs until the funds' whereabouts are clarified.
Tags
News