Reps panel summons women affairs minister over ‘N1.5bn debt to contractors’

A house of representatives committee has invited Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the minister of women affairs, over the “N1.5 billion” debt owed to contractors.

Kafilat Ogbara, chairperson of the house committee on women affairs and social development, issued the summons at the panel’s sitting on Thursday.

The committee is investigating the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion meant for the payment of contractors.

Some contractors had petitioned the committee, alleging non-payment for contracts they had executed for the ministry.

When he appeared before the committee, Aloy Ifeakandu, director of finance in the ministry, said he was instructed by his “superior” not to issue any payment to contractors.

‘FUNDS HAVE BEEN DIVERTED’

Ogbara further alleged that the ministry awarded contracts not included in the 2023 budget, while the funds were diverted.

“Money for contractors has not been paid, and money has been diverted,” Ogbara said.

“So, how do you pay these contractors?”

Ogbara said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) is also probing the ministry over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Responding, the director of finance said he assumed office at the ministry in September 2023 and does not know what happened before he came on board.

“The individual contractors have their files. It can be traced. As at the time I took over, there was no balance in the vote,” he said.

Consequently, Ogbara invited the minister to appear before the committee next Tuesday.

“We are giving until Tuesday for the ministry to bring all documents to come and defend where the N1.5bn disappeared to,” the committee chairperson said.

In June, Kennedy-Ohanenye filed a N1 billion defamation of character lawsuit against Ogbara.

In an interview on June 5, Ogbara said there are “many petitions” against the minister, adding that the parliament is investigating the minister.

The minister had denied the allegations, saying she was not under investigation over claims of fund misappropriation.