Rita Odafe
On Tuesday, July 9, the committee summoned the Minister and her team to address concerns regarding the alleged misuse of N1.5 billion designated for contractor payments. Some contractors had complained about not being paid for completed projects.
The once peaceful hearing quickly escalated into a heated argument, with committee members and the Minister exchanging accusations.
“Was the budget allocated for 2023 from the accountant-general’s office transferred to the ministry of women affairs? Yes or no?” asked the Committee chairman, Kalifat Ogbara.
Another committee member, Marie Ebikake, implied that the Minister was excluding ministry staff from decision-making processes.
“I attended the last meeting, and we placed you under oath to ensure honesty, but today you are straying from the truth. I take offense. I won’t tolerate this accusation. I am answerable to none. She must retract that statement. This is unjust. It’s a setup, but I won’t fall for it. I fear nothing… nothing!” Kennedy-Ohanenye responded.
The Minister was interrupted by the committee chairperson, who advised her not to interrupt when a member was speaking.
The exchange continued for some time.
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