HOUSE of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, on Wednesday clashed over an alleged missing ₦1.5 billion meant for the payment of contractors.
The panel also queried Kennedy-Ohanenye for allegedly spending ₦45 million on a New Year party, ₦20 million on sanitary pads, and ₦1.5 million on vehicle fuel, amongst other expenses.
The panel had summoned Kennedy-Ohanenye to appear before it over allegations that the ₦1.5 billion earmarked for the payment of contractors who executed contracts for the ministry could not be traced.
The investigative hearing degenerated into a heated argument shortly after the session started, with lawmakers and the minister trading tackles.
Committee Chairman Khalifat Ogbara, while addressing the minister, had 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?”
A member of the committee, Marie Ebikake, said, “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…”
However, Ebikake was interrupted by the minister, who 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 fairness here. It is a trap, but I am not going to jump into it. I fear nothing… nothing!!”
Ogbara quickly cautioned Kennedy-Ohanenye against interrupting an “honourable member”.
