By John Lewis
The Minister of Women Affairs,Mrs Uju Kennedy – Ohanenye came under fire at the House of Representatives on Wednesday as the Green Chamber queried her for engaging in unrelated expenditures, including N45m for a New Year party, N20m for sanitary pads and N1.5m for vehicle fuel.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Rep Kafilat Ogbara,who led the interrogation of the minister, following a petition over alleged diversion of N1.5 bn funds meant for payment to contractors said that the investigative hearing was not aimed at witch – hunting the Minister and officials of the Ministry but to uncover the truth .
The house committee also sought clarification on funds appropriated for the African First Lady’s mission and the whereabouts of the N1.5bn meant for contractor payments.
Mrs Kennedy – Ohanenye however, denied the allegations of misappropriation, overspending, and non-payment to contractors.
On his part,the procurement officer confirmed contractors’ claims, while the Director of Finance and Administration acknowledged to have paid only approved contracts.
The committee had at its last sitting summoned the minister to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the non-payment.
It also ordered halt of all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs until the determination of the whereabouts of the money for the said contracts .
