- Reps To Minister: “Account For The Whereabouts Of N1.5billion Payment Meant For Contractors”
- Kennedy to Rep: “This Is A Trap, I Am Not A Slave To Anybody”
By Abiola Olawale
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development chaired by Hon Kafilat Ogbara are currently engaged in heated arguments over alleged corruption cases in the ministry.
The House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development had summoned the Minister for questioning over an alleged failure to effect payment of N1.5 billion to some contractors after the release of funds for the said purpose.
The committee was investigating the alleged diversion of the N1.5bn meant for the payment of contractors after it received a petition from the contractors over non-payment for contracts they executed for the ministry.
However, the hearing turned rowdy as Kennedy-Ohanenye engaged in a shouting match with the committee members, throwing accusations and counter-accusations.
The Chairman of the committee while grilling the minister said: “What was budgeted for 2023 from the accountant-general’s office, was it released to the account of the Ministry of Women affairs? Yes or no?”
Hon Marie Ebikake, another member of the committee, accused the minister of sidelining staff of the ministry.
Ebikake said: “Fortunately, I attended the last meeting and one of the reasons why we took you on oath was to get the truth from you and today you have deviated…,” Ebikake said before she was interrupted by the minister.
However, in a swift response, Kennedy-Ohanenye said: “I take exception. I don’t like this allegation. I am no slave to anybody.
“She should withdraw that statement she said about me. It is not fair here. It is a trap but I am not going to jump into it. I fear nothing… nothing!!”
Kennedy-Ohanenye was also interrupted by the committee chairperson, who cautioned her against jumping in while an “honourable member” was speaking.
The back and forth continued for a while. The panel’s Chairman, Kafilat, who described the attitude of the minister as rude to the parliament, adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
She said the committee would report to the house that the minister was uncooperative and had no regard for the parliament.
