Kennedy-Ohanenye during the heated argument also demanded that a Rep member, Ebikake should withdraw a statement she made about her
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye on Tuesday, engaged in a heated argument with the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, telling the honourable members, “I am no slave to anybody”
The committee had invited her to answer to allegations of corruption, especially the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion meant for contractor payments.
A contractors had petitioned the committee, chaired by Kafilat Ogbara, decrying non-payment for executed contracts.
However, the session quickly became a rowdy one and surged into a shouting match, with both sides exchanging accusations.
The Chairman of Committee led the interrogation of the Minister, over the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors in spite of the fund release in Abuja.
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Ogbara quizzed her or clarity saying, “What was budgeted for 2023 from the accountant-general’s office, was it released to the account of the ministry of women affairs? Yes or no?”
A committee member, Marie Ebikake also accused the minister of not including ministry staff.
“Fortunately, I attended the last meeting, and one of the reasons we took you on oath was to get the truth from you, and today you have deviated…” Ebikake said before being interrupted by the Women Affairs minister.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, who quickly replied heatedly, said “I take exception. I don’t like this allegation. I am no slave to anybody.
“She should withdraw that statement she said about me. It is not fair here. It is a trap but I am not going to jump into it. I fear nothing… nothing!!”
Ogbara, however, waded in, cautioning the minister against interrupting an “honourable member.”
In spite of the attempts to restore order, the exchange continued for several minutes.