Uju Ohanenye, the former Minister of Women Affairs, has responded to allegations of misappropriating N138 million meant for ministry projects, stating that she managed public funds prudently and even supplemented initiatives with her personal finances. She revealed that during her time in office, her priority was the well-being of Nigerian women and children, and she went beyond budgetary provisions to ensure key programs were successfully executed.
Uju Ohanenye arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for questioning on March 6, 2025. The anti-graft agency is investigating her role in alleged procurement violations, diversion of public funds, and financial mismanagement. The specific focus of the probe is the P-BAT Cares for Women Initiative, where funds were allegedly redirected for unauthorized purposes. Despite the allegations, she has maintained her innocence and insists that due process was followed in all financial dealings.
Response to Corruption Allegations
Uju Ohanenye has categorically denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that her actions were transparent and in line with government policies. She asserted that the EFCC’s investigation is an opportunity to clear her name, and she fully supports efforts to uphold accountability in public service. According to her, the accusations are politically motivated attempts to tarnish her reputation.
Uju Ohanenye further explained that her dedication to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda led her to invest her personal resources in ministry projects. She insisted that she never embezzled public funds but rather used her own money to ensure the success of critical initiatives. She challenged anyone with evidence of corruption against her to present it.
Claims of Personal Fund Utilization
Uju Ohanenye has reiterated that she supplemented government resources with her personal funds to execute important projects. She argued that as a committed public servant, she could not stand by while women-focused initiatives suffered from financial constraints. Her investment in the ministry, she said, was a testament to her commitment to the welfare of Nigerian women and children.
Uju Ohanenye has urged investigators to take a comprehensive look at her financial records, which she believes will validate her claims. She expressed confidence that her personal contributions to the ministry’s projects would eventually be acknowledged, proving her sincerity and dedication to public service.
Previous Scrutiny and Investigations
Uju Ohanenye recalled that even before her removal from office in October 2024, she had been subjected to scrutiny over financial transactions in the ministry. She noted that the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs had questioned the use of ₦1.5 billion earmarked for contractor payments, though she successfully defended herself by presenting documents proving that all payments followed due process.
Uju Ohanenye stated that despite her transparency, she was often unfairly targeted. She emphasized that all projects undertaken during her tenure had verifiable records and that she welcomed any audit that would establish the truth. She insisted that she had always been open about ministry expenditures and never took advantage of public funds.
Current Status and Commitment to Cooperation
Uju Ohanenye has assured Nigerians that she remains committed to cooperating with the EFCC to resolve the allegations. She expressed appreciation for the professionalism of the investigators and stated that she would continue to provide all necessary documentation to support her claims.
Uju Ohanenye insisted that she has nothing to hide and believes that the truth will ultimately vindicate her. She reiterated that she remains dedicated to the cause of Nigerian women and children and hopes that the ongoing probe will highlight her contributions rather than overshadow her efforts.
Awaiting the Outcome
Uju Ohanenye has expressed confidence that the EFCC’s investigation will reveal the truth about her tenure. She has urged Nigerians to remain patient and allow the legal process to take its course. According to her, the allegations against her will not deter her commitment to public service.
Uju Ohanenye remains firm in her stance that her administration was marked by integrity and dedication. She believes that in time, the evidence will prove her innocence and reaffirm her contributions to national development.
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