EFCC Probe: I Used Personal Funds to Supplement Allocations, Says Ex-Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has confirmed that she honored an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to clarify financial expenditures during her tenure. The ex-minister, who was interrogated on Thursday over allegations related to a N138 million fraud, stated that she provided “comprehensive clarifications” regarding her actions while in office.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Kennedy-Ohanenye detailed her visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, noting that she arrived at 2:15 p.m., engaged in discussions from 2:50 p.m., and left by 6:50 p.m. She commended the EFCC for its professionalism and assured her full cooperation with the agency for any further inquiries.
“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,” she said.
Prudent Management of Public Funds
Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized that she managed public funds prudently during her tenure, even supplementing government allocations with personal funds to support initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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,” she stated.
The former minister, a lawyer by profession, was one of five ministers dismissed by President Tinubu in October 2024. Her dismissal came amid a cabinet reshuffle aimed at improving governance and accountability.
Background of the EFCC Probe
The EFCC’s investigation into Kennedy-Ohanenye’s financial activities follows allegations of mismanagement and fraud during her time as Minister of Women Affairs. The probe focuses on the alleged misappropriation of N138 million, which was reportedly allocated for programs and initiatives aimed at empowering women and children.
Kennedy-Ohanenye’s assertion that she used personal funds to supplement government resources has sparked mixed reactions. While some have praised her dedication, others have questioned the transparency and accountability of such practices.
Reactions and Implications
The former minister’s statement has drawn attention to the challenges faced by public officials in managing limited resources while addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Her claim of using personal funds highlights the gaps in government allocations and the lengths to which some officials go to achieve their mandates.
However, the EFCC’s probe underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public office. The anti-graft agency has been intensifying its efforts to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption, particularly in ministries and agencies responsible for social welfare programs.
As the EFCC continues its investigation, stakeholders are calling for a thorough and impartial process to ensure that justice is served. The outcome of the probe will have significant implications for public trust in government institutions and the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts.
Kennedy-Ohanenye’s case also raises broader questions about the adequacy of funding for social programs and the need for systemic reforms to ensure that resources are allocated and utilized effectively.
For now, the former minister has pledged her full cooperation with the EFCC, expressing confidence in her ability to provide clarity on the matters under investigation.
