Women Affairs Minister Faces Allegations of Fraud, Abuse of Office*


The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, is facing allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and arbitrariness in managing the ministry, prompting a potential summons by the House of Representatives.


A petition filed by St. Gilos Solicitors on behalf of Mela Chiyoma Pat Limited and its Managing Director, Patricia Stan-Dioka, details a catalogue of alleged corrupt practices and abuse of office.


According to the petition, dated September 17, 2024, Kennedy-Ohanenye requested that program funds for the "Women For Food Security" initiative be paid into her personal account or her son's account. Stan-Dioka had introduced the program to empower poor Nigerian women and enhance food security, aligning with President Tinubu's agenda.


The minister's actions allegedly denied Nigeria the benefits of a $200 billion credit line and incentives for rural women. The petition claims Kennedy-Ohanenye disrupted and shut down an event organized by Stan-Dioka, falsely claiming that the program was held without the ministry's knowledge or consent.


This incident caused international shame and embarrassment, sabotaging the economic interests of the federal government and the Nigerian people. The minister's conduct also denied opportunities to unemployed women and youths.


"We have tremendous confidence in the House of Representatives to investigate cases of this nature," the petition concluded.


The House of Representatives may investigate these allegations, following a previous probe into the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion in contractor payments. Kennedy-Ohanenye had appeared before the House Committee on Women Affairs on July 9, 2024, to address similar allegations.


The minister's actions have sparked concerns about corruption and abuse of power within the ministry. The outcome of the potential investigation will determine the future of Kennedy-Ohanenye's tenure as Women Affairs Minister.

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