Former Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has broken her silence after being questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of diverting ₦138 million during her tenure. In a statement released on Friday, March 7, 2025, the former minister clarified her position regarding the ongoing investigation and expressed her full cooperation with the EFCC.
Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who was dismissed from her ministerial position by President Bola Tinubu during a cabinet reshuffle in October 2024, said she attended the EFCC headquarters on March 6, 2025, where she provided detailed explanations concerning her activities and financial expenditures during her time in office.
She acknowledged the importance of accountability in governance and commended the EFCC for their professionalism and hospitality throughout the inquiry process. Kennedy-Ohanenye reaffirmed that she had executed her duties with transparency and integrity, stating that her team had used available resources effectively and even supplemented funds with personal contributions.
The former minister also took the opportunity to express her gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and for the support she received from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, especially in championing the rights and empowerment of Nigerian women.
Kennedy-Ohanenye assured the public that the ongoing inquiry would ultimately prove the integrity of her actions, asserting that her commitment to Nigerian women and children was unwavering. She emphasized that she would continue to cooperate with the EFCC and remain available for any further inquiries related to the investigation.
In her statement, she 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 honoured the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 6, 2025."
Her statement concluded with a strong assertion of her dedication to transparency, noting that the facts would vindicate her integrity and the work she accomplished during her tenure.
