Amidst serious hardship and acute hunger faced by Nigerians, Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy Ohaneye was accused of spending N20M on buying sanitary pads and also spending an additional N45M on a new year party.
She was also accused of spending the sum of N1.5M on fueling of her vehicle.
Amidst these suspicious expenditures, the Minister was accused of frustrating the payment of N1.5 billion to various contractors even though funds were released for that purpose.
Disturbed by this development, the House of Representatives has queried the Minister over the alleged expenditure.
The committee is investigating the alleged diversion of funds meant for contractor’s payments, following a petition from contractors.
The committee also sought clarification on funds appropriated for the African First Lady’s mission and the whereabouts of the N1.5 billion meant for contractor payments.
Chairman of the house of reps committee on Women Affairs Rep. Kafilat Ogbara led the interrogation of the Minister through an investigative hearing.
She said that the investigative hearing was aimed at uncovering the truth and not witch-hunting the Minister and the officials of the ministry.
The procurement officer confirmed contractors’ claims, and the Director of Finance and Administration acknowledged only paying approved contracts.
But the Minister, however, denied the allegations of misappropriation, overspending, and non-payment to contractors.
It would be recalled that the committee had at its last sitting summoned the minister to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the non-payment.
The committee also ordered the stoppage of all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs until the whereabouts of the money for the said contracts are determined.
