By Comfort Olayinka
The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has engaged in a heated exchange with the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, on Tuesday. The minister was summoned to provide an account of the alleged diversion of 1.5 billion naira meant for payment to contractors.
During the investigative hearing, committee members questioned the minister about how the funds were expended by the ministry. However, the minister claimed that she could not provide a detailed account of the spending as she was advised by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to “mind her business.”
The committee members expressed disbelief at the minister’s claim, questioning how she could be unaware of the funds paid to her own ministry. The minister maintained that the total sum was not released, which was part of the reason contractors were still owed payments.
The committee’s inquiry aimed to uncover the truth behind the alleged diversion of funds meant for contractors. The minister’s response, however, raised more questions than answers, leading to a tense exchange between the committee and the minister.
The investigation is ongoing, and the committee has vowed to get to the bottom of the matter. The minister’s claims have sparked concerns about potential corruption and mismanagement of funds within the ministry.
As the probe continues, many are watching with keen interest to see how the situation unfolds and what consequences may arise for those involved. The committee’s determination to uncover the truth is a step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in government ministries.
“Honorable Minister and Permanent Secretary with DFA, last time when we came, that was on Thursday, we did raise an issue of African First Lady Peace Mission projects. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any concrete answer to the issue.
“It was carried over to today. So now that we are here, Honorable Minister, could you please educate the committee on the functions of African First Lady Peace Mission projects, taking into cognizance of funds allocated for the project in the past. Year 2020, 500 million, 2021, 225 million, 2022, 500 million, 2023, 150 million. Where is the office situated and the organogram?
In her response, the Minister however explained that the 150 million naira that was appropriated in 2023 was eventually given to the former first lady, Aisha Buhari who eventually told her it was meant for the purchase of generator .
“About the First Lady’s funds. The 500 million you were talking about, I wasn’t there when it happened. When I came in, I saw it on the appropriation act. And I went to my First Lady. We discussed. She said that particular money was not meant for her.
“That it was meant for the former First Lady because that was when that money was allocated. And the former First Lady later called me and said they wanted to use it and buy generator. And in the process, she was out of the country.
“It took her a while. She came back, called me, and she brought the person that was going to come and organize how they would get the generator. And I introduced that person to the procurement officer then, who is now retired.
“So that they could work it out according to the rules and regulations of procurement. And they’ve been on it. Once in a while, I talk with the First Lady to find out what’s going on. And that’s the last I heard of that.
At this point Members of the committee were surprise that the Minister couldn’t identify the contractors or address of the Co tractors who executed the African First Lady Peace Mission project.
In her response, the Minister said, “Let me explain. This is First Lady’s. My First Lady will tell you, focus on your work. And she focuses on her work.
“She just advises me. And when they came there, I am not a First Lady and I can’t overstep my bounds. All I went to tell her that there is some amount of money on the appropriation act. for her office and I went there to tell her. I have no business much to do with First Lady’s buildings. Because I have to only take directives when given”.
Reacting, another Member of the Committee told the Minister: “Well, you disburse public funds on First Lady’s issues. Is it not so? The office space, was it not paid with public funds of the Nigerian people? Let the director that is in charge speak, ma’am. Please.
“I won’t answer what is not within my purview, the Minister responded.Honorable Minister and Permanent Secretary with DFA, last time when we came, that was on Thursday, we did raise an issue of African First Lady Peace Mission projects. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any concrete answer to the issue.
“It was carried over to today. So now that we are here, Honorable Minister, could you please educate the committee on the functions of African First Lady Peace Mission projects, taking into cognizance of funds allocated for the project in the past. Year 2020, 500 million, 2021, 225 million, 2022, 500 million, 2023, 150 million. Where is the office situated and the organogram?
In her response, the Minister however explained that the 150 million naira that was appropriated in 2023 was eventually given to the former first lady, Aisha Buhari who eventually told her it was meant for the purchase of generator .
“About the First Lady’s funds. The 500 million you were talking about, I wasn’t there when it happened. When I came in, I saw it on the appropriation act. And I went to my First Lady. We discussed. She said that particular money was not meant for her.
“That it was meant for the former First Lady because that was when that money was allocated. And the former First Lady later called me and said they wanted to use it and buy generator. And in the process, she was out of the country.
“It took her a while. She came back, called me, and she brought the person that was going to come and organize how they would get the generator. And I introduced that person to the procurement officer then, who is now retired.
“So that they could work it out according to the rules and regulations of procurement. And they’ve been on it. Once in a while, I talk with the First Lady to find out what’s going on. And that’s the last I heard of that.
At this point Members of the committee were surprise that the Minister couldn’t identify the contractors or address of the Co tractors who executed the African First Lady Peace Mission project.
In her response, the Minister said, “Let me explain. This is First Lady’s. My First Lady will tell you, focus on your work. And she focuses on her work.
“She just advises me. And when they came there, I am not a First Lady and I can’t overstep my bounds. All I went to tell her that there is some amount of money on the appropriation act. for her office and I went there to tell her. I have no business much to do with First Lady’s buildings. Because I have to only take directives when given”.
Reacting, another Member of the Committee told the Minister: “Well, you disburse public funds on First Lady’s issues. Is it not so? The office space, was it not paid with public funds of the Nigerian people? Let the director that is in charge speak, ma’am. Please.
“I won’t answer what is not within my purview, the Minister responded.
