Women Minister Drags Reps Committee Chairman To Court As Lawmakers Probe Alleged Non-Payment Of N1.5billion To Contractors

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, says she has taken a legal action against Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, amidst the ongoing probe into alleged embezzlement within the ministry.

 

The ministry confirmed the development in a through Musa Abdulrahaman, the minister’s aide while refuting allegations of financial misconduct and reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability.

 

 

SaharaReporters had on Wednesday reported that the House of Representatives quizzed Kennedy-Ohaneye over the non-payment of N1.5billion to contractors in spite of the fund release in Abuja.

 

 

The lawmakers led by Ogbara, Chairman, House Committee, had also queried the Minister for spending unrelated expenditures which include N45 million for a New Year party, N20million for sanitary pads and N1.5million for vehicle fuel.

 

 

But in the statement released on Thursday, the ministry said “all financial transactions undergo rigorous authorisation procedures in accordance with established civil service regulations.

 

“These procedures involve scrutiny by the Director of Finance and Accounts, culminating in final approval by the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry’s accounting officer. Supporting documents were presented by the Minister to substantiate the accuracy of all financial transactions under scrutiny.”

 

“In response to the allegations, Barr. Ohanenye has chosen to refrain from further public commentary on the matter. Instead, she has initiated legal proceedings against Hon. Kafilat Ogbara for alleged libel and defamation, filing a lawsuit under Suit No. E 500/2024.

 

“The Minister expressed confidence in the judicial process and urged the presentation of any evidence or proof of alleged misappropriation in a court of law,” the statement added.