The hearing quickly escalated into a shouting match, with both sides exchanging accusations and counter-accusations.
Atense confrontation unfolded on Tuesday afternoon as the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, led by Kafilat Ogbara, engaged in a heated debate with Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye.
The committee had summoned the minister to address allegations of corruption and the alleged diversion of N1.5billion meant for contractor payments.
The hearing quickly escalated into a shouting match, with both sides exchanging accusations and counter-accusations.
The contractors had previously petitioned the committee, claiming they had not been paid for completed work.
The exchange highlighted the intense scrutiny and accountability efforts by the legislative branch.
The video shared on x.com on Wednesday by TheCable showed Ogbara and Kennedy-Ohanenye exchanging accusations.
“What was appropriated for 2023 from the accountant-general’s office, was it released to the account of the ministry of women affairs? Yes or no?” Ogbara asked.
Marie Ebikake, another member of the committee, accused the minister of sidelining staff of the ministry.
“Mister DFA I am at a loss because fortunately, I attended the last meeting and one of the reasons why we took you on oath was to get the truth from you and today you have deviated. You have deviated because you did say, yes there was release of money and you take instructions from your principal and there and then I confronted Permanent Secretary. He said he was not in the known. I am still making my statement that you are running the ministry with your minister – both of you…,” Ebikake said, before she was interrupted by the minister.
“I take exception to this. I don’t like this allegation. I don’t want it I am no slave to anybody,” Kennedy-Ohanenye who was visibly angry said. And insisted “She should withdraw that statement she said about me. It is not fairness here. It is a trap but I am not going to jump into it. I fear nothing… nothing!!”
Kennedy-Ohanenye was also interrupted by the committee chairperson, who cautioned her against jumping in while an “honourable member” was speaking.
“I am repeating what I said. I confronted the permanent secretary and the DFA last week Thursday, I am still alive talking. You did say is what they approved to you. I asked Mister Perm Sec what happened you are not in the known. I said look I was once twice commissioner in my state and the accounting officer is the permanent secretary. Please you people should work with the permanent secretary. Didn’t I said so Mister DFA?” Ebikake asked.
“I am still saying it because from the revelations both coming out is two man show you people are doing?”
The back and forth continued for a while as shown in the 2 minutes 49 seconds video.