Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has spoken out following her questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the alleged diversion of ₦138 million during her tenure.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, who was sacked by President Bola Tinubu during a cabinet reshuffle in October 2024, addressed the media on Friday, clarifying her position and expressing her commitment to transparency and accountability.
Uju Kennedy’s Response to EFCC Investigation
In her statement, the former minister confirmed that she honored the EFCC’s invitation on March 6, 2025, arriving at 2:15 PM, with discussions commencing at 2:50 PM. She detailed her actions and expenditures during her time in office and completed the inquiry by 6:50 PM.
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She emphasized that her visit was part of standard accountability processes and commended the EFCC for their professionalism and hospitality. She also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their support during her tenure.
Kennedy-Ohanenye further stated:
“As a former public servant, I acknowledge that inquiries regarding past official activities are a standard part of ensuring accountability. In this spirit, I willingly honored the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 6, 2025.
“Concerning allegations of a ₦138 million diversion, I provided comprehensive clarifications regarding my actions and expenditures throughout my tenure as the Minister of Women Affairs.
“I commend the EFCC for their professionalism and hospitality, and I appreciate the opportunity to address the matters that have recently been circulating in the media.
“During my tenure, my team and I executed our duties diligently, utilizing available resources effectively, and even supplementing with personal funds, demonstrating our dedication to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerian women and children.
“I assure that the facts and information will ultimately demonstrate the integrity of my actions.”
A Commitment to Transparency
Kennedy-Ohanenye reiterated that every government official must be transparent and accountable. She affirmed her willingness to cooperate with the EFCC for any further inquiries.
Her response aligns with ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to enforce accountability and combat corruption among public officials.
The Allegations: What We Know So Far
While details of the alleged ₦138 million diversion remain under investigation, reports indicate that the funds in question were allocated for women’s empowerment initiatives under the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The EFCC’s probe is expected to determine whether the funds were properly utilized or misappropriated. The agency has not yet released an official statement on the next steps in the investigation.
Reactions to the Investigation
The case has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria:
- Supporters of Kennedy-Ohanenye argue that she has always been committed to women’s empowerment and believe that the allegations might be politically motivated.
- Critics, however, insist on a thorough investigation, emphasizing the importance of accountability for public funds.
The outcome of the EFCC’s investigation will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how corruption cases involving former ministers are handled under the Tinubu administration.
What’s Next?
With ongoing investigations, it remains to be seen whether Kennedy-Ohanenye will face further legal proceedings or be cleared of all allegations.
The EFCC’s probe into the alleged ₦138 million diversion highlights Nigeria’s continuous fight against corruption and the government’s push for accountability among public officials.
For now, Kennedy-Ohanenye maintains that she has nothing to hide and believes the facts will prove her integrity.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
