The House of Representatives has queried the expenditure of Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, as they questioned her spending N45m on a new year party, N20m for sanitary pads and N1.5m on vehicle fuel.
Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, led the interrogation of the Minister, over the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors in spite of the fund released.
The committee sought to uncover the truth behind these allegations, following a petition from contractors claiming non-payment for services rendered to the ministry despite the release of these funds
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 committee also investigated alleged diversion of funds meant for contractors’ 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.
The minister, however, denied the allegations of misappropriation, overspending and non-payment to contractors.
The procurement officer confirmed contractors’ claims, and the Director of Finance and Administration acknowledged only paying approved contracts.
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.
