House of Reps Committee Hearing on Alleged N1.5B Diversion by Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye Turns Heated Debate

For several minutes on Tuesday afternoon, the House of Representatives Committee and Minister of Woman Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, argued about corruption allegations in the presence of journalists.

The House Committee on Women’s Affairs and Social Development, chaired by Kafilat Ogbara, had summoned the minister over corrupt severe practices in her ministry, owing to an alleged diversion of a substantial N1.5 billion budgeted for contractors’ payment.

The hearing, which was supposed to address the petitions for non-payment of projects executed for the ministry as filed by the contractors, descended into a chaotic shouting match, with committee members and the minister hurling accusations and counteraccusations.

The budget for 2023 from the accountant general’s office was released to the Ministry of Women Affairs account. Yes or no?” Ogbara asked.

According to a media report by The Cable, Marie Ebikake, another committee member, she accused the minister of sidelining the staff of the ministry.

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.

I take exception. I don’t like this allegation. I am no slave to anybody,” Kennedy-Ohanenye said.

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!

Kennedy-Ohanenye was also interrupted by the committee chairperson, who cautioned her against jumping in while an “honourable member” spoke.

As the back and forth continued, the committee abruptly adjourned the hearing indefinitely after the heated argument.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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