Reps Questions Minister on alleged 1.5bn diversion
The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development and the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, almost had a near-physical fight on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The minister appeared to address the controversy surrounding the purported diversion of N1.5 billion, which was intended for the payment of contractors by ministry officials.
Things took a bad turn when the committee pressed the minister to explain the enormous amount that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation had disclosed for contractor payments.
Uju stunned the committee by saying that she couldn’t discuss the money much even though she had confirmed that the ministry had received 30% of the total contract amount.
But she said that the reason the contractors weren’t paid was because the Ministry of Women Affairs hadn’t received the whole amount.
We wouldn’t be here today if the funding for this year hadn’t been postponed; we could have settled some of these debts. However, since this year, no ministry has received project funding, which is a limitation, the minister stated.
Marie Ebikake, a committee member representing Bayelsa State’s Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency, pressed the minister to discuss the N500 million African First Lady Peace Mission project.
“We did bring up the African First Lady Peace Mission projects when we arrived here on Thursday, Honorable Minister and Permanent Secretary. Sadly, we were not given a specific response on the matter. It was postponed till today, Wednesday.
“As we are here, Honorable Minister, would you kindly inform the committee on the operations of the African First Lady Peace Mission projects, keeping in mind the funds that have previously been allotted for the project?
2020 saw N500 million, 2021 N225 million, 2022 N500 million, and 2023 N150 million. Where is the organography located, as well as the project office?
In response, the minister stated that N150 million was donated in 2023 and that Aisha Buhari, the former first lady, was the one who collected the funds, which were allegedly intended to be used to buy a generator.
“I wasn’t present when the First Lady’s funds and the N150 million you said occurred. I noticed that in the Appropriations Act when I first arrived. I then proceeded to my First Lady. We talked about it. She said the specific sum of money was not intended for her.
She said that because the funds were allotted during her administration, they were intended for the former First Lady. Later on, I received a call from the former First Lady, who stated they wanted to use it and purchase a generator. After that, she left the nation.
After some time, she called me and brought the person who was supposed to pick up the generator. And I introduced that individual to the now-retired procurement officer back then. This would allow them to collaborate in accordance with procurement laws and regulations.
Kennedy-Ohanenye stated, “They’ve been on it, and every now and then, I call the First Lady to find out what’s going on.”
“My First Lady will tell you, focus on your work and she focuses on her work,” the minister stated, attempting to clarify her relationship with Mrs. Tinubu. She gives me advice. I can’t go overboard since I’m not a First Lady. I only went to tell.
At this point, the minister was questioned by Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairman of the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who said, “Are you saying that the current First Lady or the former First Lady requested that the money be used for a generator?”
Kennedy-Ohanenye retorted, “I’m not the accountant.” Usually, I have no idea what you own. I’m not sure how much money their bank statement shows. But the Appropriations Act is where I noticed it (N150m). The budget for the previous year included it.
“I’m not sure who requested that, so I’m unable to respond to that query. It was intended for procurement. I called; the First Lady didn’t call. I called to report what I noticed on the appropriations paper; I never stated that the First Lady had called. I said just that.
“Please do not misquote me. It was never intended for the First Lady, as I stated”.
“The procurement officer was then requested to explain to the committee how the funds were used by the committee chairman, but Kennedy-Ohanenye interrupted, saying, “I am not getting very comfortable anymore because I don’t even understand this question.” I’m not an official of procurement.
Citing a confrontation with the, Mrs. Ogbara postponed the hearing until later.
