Minister silent on threat to sue UN over donor funds — 2 months after ultimatum elapsed

It has been three months since Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, threatened to sue the United Nations (UN) for allegedly mismanaging funds meant for Nigeria.

Addressing a press conference on October 16, 2023, Kennedy-Ohanenye accused the UN of obtaining funds on behalf of the country without remitting them.

Although the minister did not state the specific amount the UN allegedly accessed on Nigeria’s behalf, or what the funds were meant for, she threatened to take legal action if the organisation failed to provide an account of the funds or issue a public apology to Nigerians.

“If you don’t give us this account, at least let Nigerians see what is going on, then you [UN] apologise to them,” the minister said.

“From 16th of October to November 15, if we don’t get those reports for Nigerians to see, we are heading to court. [They have] from 16th October to November 8.

“They will get our pre-action letter that is to prepare that by 15th we are heading to court and I am promising Nigerians that by 15th you will hear the lawsuit number.”

TheCable had explained that the UN is immune from domestic or international legal actions. 

Under Article II, section 2 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, the UN and “its property and assets” enjoy immunity from “every form of legal process except insofar as in any particular case it has expressly waived its immunity”.

The minister had promised to make the lawsuit number public. She is yet to do so. 

Efforts to reach the minister or her office to confirm whether or not she has commenced legal action against the UN, have not been successful.

Kennedy-Ohanenye has neither responded to calls nor messages.